Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says his side are still in control of their CAF Confederation Cup destiny after grinding out a 0-0 draw against 15 de Agosto de Akonibe in Equatorial Guinea.
The result leaves everything to play for in next week’s return leg at Athlone Stadium, where Stellies will be chase a place in the group stages.
STEVE BARKER ON STELLENBOSCH FC’S OPENER
The Stellies boss praised his players’ discipline in tricky conditions while acknowledging the missed chances that could’ve sealed the win.
“It was not an easy encounter,” Barker told the club’s media. “The weather and the pitch made things difficult, but the players applied themselves well.
“We were the better team, we just couldn’t convert one or two of our chances. Still, coming away without conceding was crucial.
It was Stellies’ fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, but the coach was quick to stress that they still need more cutting edge up front. “Clean sheets win you games, but we have to be sharper in the final third,” he said. “The execution and decision-making need to improve because we’re creating chances, now we just need to finish them,” the Stellenbosch tactician added.
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Before the return leg in Athlone this weekend, the Maroons will host Golden Arrows at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.
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