Photo Courtesy - Stellenbosch FC Media.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has revealed his happiness after the South African club defeated Malian outfit Stade Malien 2-0 to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday.
Fawaaz Basadien scored the opener from the penalty spot before the Stellies doubled their advantage through Jayden Adams.
“Magnificent performance, I thought the lads put in a lot of energy, intensity and desire to get us to the next round, obviously the conditions weren’t that easy with the rain and the wet pitch but I am really proud of what the players have done today,” Barker told SuperSport TV.
“They showed the character, they showed the metal, they really worked their socks off and I thought we did well, especially in the first half, we were on top of the game and deserved probably to go to half-time break with a lot more.
“I knew they would desperately come back into the game in the second period and we will have our moments on transition and unfortunately maybe one area that a little bit was not good as the performance was finishing the game without getting that third goal to seal the deal but no one can complain because we qualified to the knock out stages.”
On qualifying for the knock out stages, Barker said: “Well done to the players, I am really happy for them and they deserve everything that they are getting and we keep going.
“I think it exciting as a club to get to the next stage, to be in the next stage and carrying the country’s flag, we are competition in all levels and it is all about maintaining our focus, and making sure we deal with everything we need to deal with.”
The win pushed the Stellies to second position in Group B with nine points, four less leaders RS Berkane, who they will play in the final group game.
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