Stellenbosch FC, previously a semi-finalist in the CAF Confederation Cup, is set to initiate their group stage campaign against AS Otohô from the Republic of Congo. This match, scheduled for Sunday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, represents a pivotal opportunity for the South African club to advance their continental aspirations.

The decision to hold the match at a neutral venue arises from the unavailability of Cape Town's DHL Stadium, alongside the failure of both Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch and Athlone Stadium in Cape Town to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. This situation introduces a unique challenge for Stellenbosch, who will be competing on ground that does not provide the usual home advantage.

AS Otohô currently leads the Congo Premier League, an achievement that illustrates their competitive status within regional football. It is important to note that the Congo Premier League should not be directly compared to the more established Linafoot of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a league with a notable history in CAF tournaments. However, the Republic of Congo, also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, has made significant contributions to African football, having produced a CAF Champions League winner in CARA Brazzaville in 1974 and a CAF Confederation Cup champion in AC Léopards in 2012.

In contrast, South Africa has seen two CAF Champions League titles, with Orlando Pirates winning in 1995 and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016. Yet, a South African team has yet to claim the Confederation Cup trophy, even though Kaizer Chiefs won its predecessor, the African Cup Winners' Cup, in 2001. Stellenbosch FC came close to altering this outcome last season, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by Tanzania's Simba SC.

Domestically, Stellenbosch FC faces difficulties this season, struggling to maintain the form that secured them a third-place finish in the South African Premiership over the past two seasons. Currently, they occupy 15th place in the league, having accumulated just nine points from 12 matches. Nonetheless, the team successfully advanced to the Confederation Cup group stage after a convincing 4-1 aggregate triumph over Equatorial Guinea's 15 de Agosto in the preliminary rounds.

AS Otohô, based in Oyo,approximately 400 kilometers from Brazzaville,has demonstrated resilience on their path to the group stage. They overcame two preliminary rounds, defeating Angola's Primeiro de Agosto 2-1 on aggregate in the first round and securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Mozambique's Ferroviário de Maputo in the second round.

As the match approaches, both teams are anticipated to field competitive lineups. Stellenbosch FC is expected to deploy Sage Stephens in goal, supported by a defensive line consisting of Turan Manafov, Henri Stanic, Thabo Moloisane, and Enyinnaya Godswill. The midfield will be anchored by Thato Khiba and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, while their attacking unit will feature Sanele Barns, Andre de Jong, and Devin Titus, supporting striker Muzomuhle Khanyi.

AS Otohô will counter with goalkeeper Aboubacar Doumbia, defended by Beranger Itoua, Ravelli Obembi, Charles Atipo, and Prince Mouandza. Their midfield will include Gédéon Nongo, Ibrahima Traoré, and Gosim Duvan Elenga, while the attacking front will consist of Bandiougou Diallo, Grâce Mavoungou, and Klegnime Koné.

Historically, Otohô has faced South African teams on four occasions since 2019, achieving one win, one draw, and two losses. These matches occurred during CAF Champions League qualifying rounds against Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City, resulting in aggregate defeats for the Congolese side.

As Stellenbosch prepares for this significant match, there is a clear need for them to reverse their recent form, having suffered defeats in their last three outings since a strong 4-1 victory over 15 de Agosto. The impending match carries substantial significance, with both teams eager to establish momentum in their opening group stage encounter.