
Stellenbosch FC have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage despite a 5-0 loss to RS Berkane in their final Group B match on Sunday.
Playing in a packed Stade Municipal de Berkane, Stellenbosch knew before the game that even a win wouldn’t change their position in the group, with RS Berkane already confirmed as group winners.
RS Berkane took an early lead through Oussama Lamlaoui in the seventh minute, and doubled their advantage just eight minutes later thanks to Youssef Mehri.
The Moroccan side continued their dominance in the second half, with Paul Bassène scoring their third in the 66th minute. Youssef Zghoudi added a fourth in the 80th minute, before Bassène completed his brace and sealed the 5-0 victory for Berkane four minutes later.
Despite the heavy defeat, Stellenbosch progress to the quarter-finals alongside RS Berkane. Stade Milien and C.D. Lunda Sul are eliminated.
Stellenbosch will receive US$550,000 (R10.5 million) from CAF for reaching the knockout stage. They join Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns as the three South African teams to reach the knockout stages of CAF’s club competitions this season, with Pirates and Sundowns competing in the Champions League.