Awillo's header gives Stars the advantage
Football
African Stars FC took a crucial step towards advancing in the CAF Champions League after defeating Jwaneng Galaxy FC 1-0 in the first leg of the preliminary round in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday. The decisive moment came when Willy (Awillo) Stephanus powered in a header, expertly assisted by Paulus Aludhilu, securing a vital away win for the Debmarine Premiership side.
The victory puts African Stars in a strong position ahead of the second leg, scheduled for next Saturday at 16:00 in Gaborone's national stadium. The return leg’s venue is due to Namibia’s enduring lack of FIFA and CAF approved football stadiums.
The upcoming match is a key opportunity for African Stars to make history by reaching the group stages of the CAF Champions League for the first time.
Reflecting on the match, African Stars’ head coach Ronny Kanalelo praised his team’s discipline and defensive organization.
“We were organized and didn't give them space to play, which minimized their game," he said.
However, the coach emphasized the need for improvement in the attacking phase. "In the second leg, we need to be clearer in the final third. We need to do more work on our movement and positioning. The other stuff is basics that we attend to every day in training.”
With the narrow lead of a vital away goal, African Stars will look to build on this performance in the second leg, knowing that a place in the next round of the CAF Champions League is within their grasp.