Staff Reporter.
Stellenbosch FC overcame the handicap of having centre back Ismael Toure sent off just before halftime to draw 1-1 away with AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second leg of their tie.
Stellies had won the first leg 2-0 in Cape Town last Friday and put up a Herculean effort in the Congolese capital despite hot weather, difficult travel conditions and the one-man disadvantage.
Lehlogonolo Mojela scored again to make it 3-0 on aggregate with a 71st minute strike but Vita got a stoppage time equaliser from the penalty spot.
In the Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their 10th successive participation in the group phase as they hammered Mbabane Swallows 4-0 again at Atteridgeville, for an 8-0 aggregate triumph.
Sundowns fielded a second-string starting line-up on Saturday but were still far too strong for the team from Eswatini.
Orlando Pirates scored in stoppage time at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday to edge Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 and advance 3-0 on aggregate, gaining revenge for being eliminated at the same stage of last year’s competition by the Botswana club.
The clubs now wait for the draw for the group stages, to be held in Cairo on October 7. The group stage competition will begin later next month.