South African football lived through a rollercoaster of emotions this weekend as both Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC walked away from their CAF Confederation Cup fixtures wondering what might have been. One team rescued a point at the death, while the other watched victory slip through their fingers in the final seconds.
For local fans, it was a weekend of chest pains, celebrations and heartbreak all at once.
Amakhosi Snatch A Lifeline As Refereeing Storm Brews
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At the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs were seconds away from suffering back to back defeats to Egyptian opposition. Injuries, missed chances and early setbacks had weighed heavily on Amakhosi all afternoon.
Zamalek took the lead in the third minute after Brandon Peterson failed to deal with a set piece, leaving Seifeddine Jaziri with a simple finish. Chiefs lost Bradley Cross and Gaston Sirino to injuries shortly afterwards, with Sirino’s emotional exit hinting at a potentially serious setback.
But as much as Chiefs struggled creatively, they refused to give up. Deep into stoppage time, Dillon Solomons sent a hopeful cross into the box. A deflection, a fumble from goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi and suddenly the ball was in the net. The stadium erupted as Chiefs grabbed a dramatic 1 1 draw.
Egyptian fans were furious. Former Zamalek defender Haitham Farouk accused the referee of favouring Chiefs, claiming Zamalek were denied a penalty and had a legitimate goal ruled out.
Chiefs supporters clapped back, arguing that officials get decisions wrong across the continent and that their team deserved the late reward.
Whatever the interpretation, the result leaves Chiefs still alive in Group D, sitting on one point with plenty of time to regroup before the competition resumes in January.
Stellenbosch Stung In Zanzibar After Late Penalty
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While Chiefs celebrated a last gasp equaliser, Stellenbosch FC experienced the complete opposite on the tropical island of Zanzibar. Their near perfect CAF Confederation Cup start crumbled in stoppage time as Singida Black Stars fought back to grab a 1 1 draw.
Langelihle Phili was the star of the night for Stellies, marking his 50th appearance with a powerful finish in the 52nd minute. The young forward held off his marker, steadied himself and smashed home the opener with the calmness of a veteran.
But Singida, who had yet to score in the group stage, refused to fold. Morice Chukwu and Marouf Tchakei both came close before the breakthrough finally arrived. In the 90th minute, Omega Mdaka brought down Lamine Jarjou inside the box and Tchakei buried the penalty to score the Tanzanian club’s first ever group stage goal.
Stellenbosch players looked devastated as the home crowd celebrated wildly. Social media reaction reflected the mood. Despite the disappointment, Stellenbosch remain top of Group C with four points from two matches.
Mixed Feelings For South Africans Ahead Of January Return
The weekend showed two very different stories for two South African teams.
Kaizer Chiefs escaped disaster through persistence, but now face questions about their creativity, injuries and the refereeing controversy that has already reached CAF’s doorstep.
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, showed maturity and structure but learned a harsh lesson about controlling games away on the continent. One lapse, one mistimed tackle and one composed penalty were all it took to turn three points into one.
Both teams now head into the long break for the Africa Cup of Nations knowing that their group stages are still wide open.
For fans back home, the Confederation Cup has already served up drama worthy of prime time. And if this weekend was anything to go by, South African clubs are gearing up for a campaign full of twists, tension and unforgettable moments.
Source: SuperSport
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