Stellenbosch FC's CAF Confederation Cup journey ends in VAR controversy

Stellenbosch FC’s dream CAF Confederation Cup run came to an end after a goalless second-leg draw against Simba SC, with controversial VAR decisions denying them a historic final appearance.

Having been physically tested in the away leg in Tanzania, Stellies coach Steve Barker opted for two changes to his starting XI at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Hard-running midfielder Khomotjo Lekoloane came into the line-up ahead of the more refined Lesiba Nku, while Chumani Butsaka replaced Ibraheem Jabaar to bring extra industry in the middle of the park.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Stellenbosch needed to start on the front foot, and they obliged by putting Simba under pressure inside the first ten minutes. But just as momentum seemed to be building, disaster almost struck when a penalty was awarded against them in the 14th minute, with Butsaka penalised for a challenge inside the box.

Fortunately for the South Africans, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, calling Egyptian referee Mohamed Mansour to review the incident.  After checking the monitor, Mansour overturned his original decision, much to the relief of the packed home crowd.

With the danger averted, Stellies regained their composure and continued to create pressure, racking up a series of corners and free kicks around the Simba penalty area. 

One of those set-pieces nearly paid off when Fawaaz Basadien’s delivery found Andre de Jong at the near post, but his glancing header flew narrowly over the crossbar.

By half-time, Stellenbosch had shown plenty of ambition and heart but still lacked the clinical edge needed to find the vital goal.

After the break, they kept their energy levels high and were once again left frustrated by VAR. Ten minutes into the second half, there were strong appeals for a penalty when Butsaka’s cross appeared to strike the hand of a Simba defender. 

However, after another VAR review, the penalty was denied.

Sensing the need for fresh legs, Barker introduced Sanele Barns, Genino Palace, and Nku around the 64th minute to add more attacking impetus. 

The substitutions appeared to have an immediate impact when Palace found the back of the net following a slick move involving all three substitutes. But just as celebrations began, VAR once again cut them short, disallowing the goal for an offside — although it wasn’t clear from the replays exactly who was deemed to have been in an illegal position.

From that point on, Simba employed every trick in the book, slowing the game down with time-wasting tactics and frustrating Stellenbosch’s rhythm. Despite their best efforts, Stellies couldn’t find the breakthrough and were forced to bow out of the competition, bringing a memorable debut CAF campaign to an end.

Barker’s side can hold their heads high after pushing one of Africa’s more established clubs to the limit, but in the end, the cruel intervention of VAR proved too much to overcome.