South African football will have two representatives in the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC both delivered emphatic home performances to secure aggregate victories on Sunday.
At FNB Stadium in Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs rose to the occasion with a convincing 3–1 win over AS Simba, advancing by the same scoreline on aggregate after the first leg had ended goalless. Spurred on by a lively home crowd, Amakhosi started with intent and quickly took control of the match.
Etiosa Ighodaro opened the scoring early on, capitalising on slick interplay around the box. Defender Zwitha Kwinika doubled Chiefs’ advantage with a precise header from a corner, and Glody Lilepo added a third to cap a commanding first-half display. AS Simba attempted to mount a fightback when Moussa Kanda reduced the deficit soon after the interval, but Chiefs remained composed and comfortably saw out the contest, managing the tempo with maturity and defensive assurance.
Meanwhile, in the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch FC treated their fans to a memorable evening at the Danie Craven Stadium. The hosts swept aside Angolan visitors 15 de Agosto with a 4–1 victory, sealing progress by the same margin on aggregate. After a cagey first leg away from home, Stellenbosch used their home advantage to full effect, combining attacking flair with disciplined structure.
Stellenbosch’s goals came from a mix of clinical finishing and sharp movement, reflecting their growing confidence on the continental stage. The win not only marks a milestone for the relatively young club but also highlights South Africa’s strengthening presence in CAF competitions.
With Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC both booking their tickets to the group stages, South Africa now boasts double representation in the CAF Confederation Cup — a testament to the country’s depth and resurgence in African club football. Both teams will look to carry this momentum forward as they aim to make deeper runs in the tournament’s next phase.
