Stellenbosch’s perfect start to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup came to an end as Singida Black Stars came from behind to secure a late 1-1 draw at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Sunday.
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Twenty-year-old Langelihle Phili proved his worth in his 50th appearance for Stellenbosch, netting the game’s first goal from open play.
The Maroons sit atop the Group C standings with four points from their two games. They are one point clear of both AS Otohô and CR Belouizdad.
Singida Black Stars registered their first goal and points in their continental competition, and have now managed one loss and one draw in their campaign after falling 2-0 CR Belouizdad last weekend.
The Tanzanian team are at the bottom of Group C with one point.
It ends with a point apiece in Zanzibar
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) November 30, 2025
FT | @singidabssc 1️⃣ – 1️⃣ @StellenboschFC #TotalEnergiesCAFCC#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/XTJezZ7cBp
The hosts started well, enjoying the better of the opportunities and possession in the first half, but could not convert.
Their first chance came in the sixth minute, as Elvis Rupia fired a cross into the box to Horso Muaku, who had his shot blocked on the turn.
Rupia continued to cause problems for the Stellenbosch defence. The Kenyan was well positioned to hit Koffi’s cross in the 23rd minute, but left it for Clatous Chama, whose effort was saved by Oscarine Masuluke.
In the 37th minute, Rupia’s cross found Muaku at the edge of the box. The striker opted to use his head, but he was too far out and his effort lacked power.
Stellies missed a chance to snatch the lead in the 41st minute as Thato Khihba played a brilliant ball into the box for Genino Palace, but the midfielder mistimed his run and was ruled offside.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Langelihle Phili, scoring with his side’s first shot at goal all game.
Ashley Cupido received a long pass on the halfway line and dabbed the ball through to Phili, who kept his defender at his back and thumped the ball into the back of the net, marking his 50th appearance for the club with a goal.
In the 68th minute, Morice Chukwu’s long-range effort took a big deflection off of substitute Andre De Jong, nearly catching Masuluke out but traveling wide of the goal.
Chukwu had another chance from a set piece three minutes later, which proved a better effort from distance but was dealt with by Masuluke.
In the 74th minute, Siviwe Nkwali was turned in the box by substitute Marouf Tchakei, who attempted to chip Masuluke, but had his attempt saved.
Omega Mdaka brought down Lamine Jarjou in his own box, resulting in a penalty for the home side.
Tchakei's shot from the spot proved too powerful for Masuluke to stop, netting his side’s first ever goal in the group stage of the competition.
The CAF Confederation Cup will return in January following the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December until 18 January.
Singida Black Stars (0) 1 (Tchakei 90+1’ P)
Stellenbosch (0) 1 (Phili 52’)
Singida Black Stars: A. Obasogie, A. Koffie, M. Chukwu, N. Kibabage (A. Phiri 86’), A. Trabi, I. Diomande, K. Aucho, E. Keyekeh (L. Jarjou 81’), C. Chama, E. Rupia (M. Tchakei 56’, H. Mauku
Stellenbosch: O. Masuluke, T. Moloisane, S. Nkwali, H. Stanic, O. Mdaka, I. Jabaar, T. Khiba (C. Butsaka 64’), G. Palace, L. Phili (K. Lekoloane 72’), S. Barns, A. Cupido (A. De Jong 64’)