Stellenbosch FC Boost CAF Qualification Hopes with Gritty 1-0 Win Over Chippa United

by Central News Reporter
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Stellenbosch FC Boost CAF Qualification Hopes with Gritty 1-0 Win Over Chippa United

Betway Premiership

Stellenbosch FC took another important step in their pursuit of continental football next season with a narrow 1-0 win over Chippa United in a tense Betway Premiership clash played at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday night, 30 April 2025. A late goal from Sanele Barns was all that separated the two sides in the Cape Winelands, as Stellies tightened their grip on a top-three finish and kept their CAF dreams very much alive.

With both teams coming into the match eager to assert themselves, the encounter proved to be a tightly contested affair. Chippa United, fighting for safety in the league, showed early promise, but Stellenbosch’s discipline and home-ground advantage saw them edge the encounter and walk away with three valuable points.

Bright Start from Chippa United

It was the visitors from Gqeberha who made their intentions clear in the opening minutes, producing two early threats on Oscarine Masuluke’s goal. First, Sinoxolo Kwayiba got a shot off inside the area just three minutes in, and moments later, Serio Kammies unleashed a long-range effort that flew narrowly over the bar.

The Chilli Boys looked sharp and energetic in the early exchanges, winning second balls and pressing high up the pitch. Stellenbosch, known for their patience and structure, absorbed the pressure and slowly began to assert control in the middle of the park.

Stellies Grow into the Game

As the game settled, Stellenbosch’s ball retention and tactical discipline came to the fore. The hosts gradually pushed Chippa deeper into their half and began probing with more attacking intent. In the best chance of the first half, Khomotjo Lekoloane saw his header strike the upright after a well-worked move on the flank.

Despite their ascendancy, Stellenbosch were unable to breach Chippa’s defence before the break. Chippa, for their part, showed attacking glimpses as the half wore on but lacked the composure and final product to convert their half-chances into goals.

Second-Half Push from Both Sides

Coming out after the break, Stellenbosch immediately signalled their intent to secure maximum points. Andre de Jong came close inside the Chippa box but skewed his shot wide. The home side continued to pressure the visitors, particularly down the flanks where the likes of Jayden Adams and Antonio van Wyk—both of whom have been standout performers this season—looked to stretch the defence.

Chippa did not sit back, however. They introduced Bienvenu Eva Nga just after the half-hour mark, and the towering striker gave the Stellies defence a few anxious moments with his aerial presence and physicality. In the 70th minute, he came closest to scoring for the visitors but was well-contained by Ismael Toure and Mogamad Moloisane.

Barns Delivers the Winner

As the game edged closer to full-time, Stellenbosch’s relentless pressure paid off. In the 83rd minute, the decisive moment arrived. A swift move down the left flank led to a low cross into the area. Sanele Barns, alert and unmarked, timed his run perfectly and calmly slotted the ball home with his right foot from just outside the six-yard area.

It was a goal that encapsulated Stellies’ grit and determination—a moment of clinical precision after 80-plus minutes of probing and persistence. The crowd at Danie Craven Stadium erupted, sensing the importance of the win in the broader context of their continental ambitions.

Game Management and Victory Secured

The final minutes were all about composure and control. Steve Barker’s men managed the tempo expertly, slowing the game down and denying Chippa any late momentum. Substitutes Iqraam Rayners and Genino Palace added fresh legs and energy as Stellenbosch shut the game down effectively.

Masuluke had little to do in the closing stages, with the defence holding firm to record another clean sheet. The 1-0 scoreline reflected the cagey nature of the contest but also underlined Stellenbosch’s ability to grind out results when it matters most.

Line-ups

Stellenbosch FC (1):

Goal: Barns (83’)
Starting XI: Oscarine Masuluke, Godswill Ekpolo (Nku 69’), Ismael Toure, Mogamad Moloisane, Fawaaz Basadien, Andre de Jong (Dean Philander 80’), Nhlanhla Nduli (Jabaar 80’), Genino Palace (replaced Devon Titus), Antonio van Wyk, Khomotjo Lekoloane (Mdaka 80’), Sanele Barns.

Chippa United (0):

Starting XI: Darren Johnson, Zuko Sithole, Justice Chabalala, Thabiso Makhele, Mpho Madingwane, Craig Martin (Maarman 88’), Sibusiso Konqobe (Tyongwana 71’), Ronaldo Maarman (88’), Serio Kammies (Ndlovu 88’), Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Evans Sakala Jr (Eva Nga 32’).

What’s Next for Stellenbosch?

The result sees Stellenbosch FC strengthen their position in the Betway Premiership’s top four, as they push for a historic qualification for CAF club competition—either the CAF Confederation Cup or Champions League, depending on final league standings and Nedbank Cup results.

Currently, the Winelands-based outfit sit within touching distance of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who dropped points against Sekhukhune United the same evening. With Mamelodi Sundowns virtually confirmed as champions, the fight for continental slots is intensifying, and Stellenbosch have placed themselves firmly in the conversation.

Chippa’s Struggle Continues

For Chippa United, the loss adds to their woes as they continue to hover dangerously close to the relegation zone. The Eastern Cape side has been inconsistent in recent weeks and will need to collect points in their remaining fixtures to avoid the playoff berth or automatic relegation.

Coach Kwanele Kopo will be disappointed that his team couldn’t capitalise on their early dominance, but the focus will now shift to their next must-win fixture as the season nears its close.

Key Stats:

• Possession: Stellenbosch 55% – 45% Chippa United
• Shots on Target: Stellenbosch 4 – 2 Chippa United
• Corners: Stellenbosch 6 – 3 Chippa United
• Fouls: Stellenbosch 10 – 12 Chippa United
• Yellow Cards: None
• Red Cards: None
• Man of the Match: Sanele Barns (Stellenbosch FC)

Final Score:

Stellenbosch FC 1–0 Chippa United
Goalscorer: Sanele Barns (83’)

Stellenbosch FC Boost CAF Qualification Hopes with Gritty 1-0 Win Over Chippa United
Stellenbosch FC Boost CAF Qualification Hopes with Gritty 1-0 Win Over Chippa United

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