Barker: We will learn from RS Berkane setback

Yesterday at 04:00 AM

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker highlighted the importance of learning from their heavy 5-0 defeat to RS Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday and believes his players will be better for the experience.

The Maroons, who made their debut in the competition this season, had already qualified for the quarter-finals after winning three of their opening five matches in Group B.

However, Barker’s side were put to the sword by the Oranges Boys at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, where early goals from Oussama Lamlioui (7′) and Youssef Mehri (17′) set the visitors on the back foot and they never recovered.

Paul Bassene (66′, 84′) and Youssef Zghoudi (80′) added to the scoreline in the second half as the 2023-24 losing finalists maintained their unbeaten run in the group stages.

Barker admitted the hosts’ quality shone through on the day as they took full advantage of the mistakes made by Stellies, but remains hopeful that his team will continue to improve on their continental adventures.

“It is not easy to accept a 5-0 loss but I told the team and the players that these types of games are a learning curve,” Barker said.

“As you all know, it is our first time playing in the Confederation Cup, in North Africa, and against a quality team like Berkane. One has to learn, grow and improve from this.

“We can see the quality of Berkane. We gave the ball away in our defensive third and they were very clinical and that is why they are on top of the domestic league and the group. It is a good team.

“Hopefully, we can continue to improve and if we play here again it won’t be 5-0; it will be tighter.”