Stellenbosch FC have defied the odds in their debut campaign of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, with a truly sensational quarter-final victory over the reigning champions, Zamalek SC in Cairo on Wednesday evening.
Having bravely held the African heavyweights to a goalless draw in the first leg in Cape Town, Stellenbosch faced the daunting prospect of traveling to Egypt to secure passage into the final four of the tournament in their intimidating home atmosphere.
Against all expectations and with the odds heavily stacked against them, Stellies produced an unforgettable performance, culminating in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph courtesy of a late and decisive goal from midfielder Sihle Nduli.
Steve Barker’s men adopted a cautious approach against their more attack minded opponents, while Zamalek themselves appeared wary of Stellenbosch’s potential on the counter-attack. Both sides went into the break level without any goals, setting the stage for a potentially explosive second half.
Read: Orlando Pirates set up Pyramids clash in TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Semi-finals
Former Nigeria boss José Peseiro would have rallied his chargers during the half time team talk as after the break, Zamalek increased their attacking efforts aiming to break the deadlock. However, this tactical shift ultimately proved to be their undoing. Their increased numbers in attack left them vulnerable defensively.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 79th minute when Sihle Nduli delivered a stunning blow, his late strike finding the back of the net and sending a hush over the Cairo International Stadium. With an historic victory within their grasp, Stellenbosch demonstrated incredible resilience, weathering a barrage of attacks from the shell-shocked hosts.
Zamalek desperately sought an equalizer, but they were not able to find a way past Stellebosch goal keeper Sage Stephens, who earned his fifth clean sheet of the continental competition.
This momentous victory propels Stellenbosch FC into the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, where they are now set to face Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Simba SC themselves staged a dramatic comeback, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Al Masry with a 2-0 victory in Dar Es Salaam before ultimately triumphing 4-1 in a penalty shootout.