Stellenbosch FC were held to a tense 0-0 draw against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. This match marked a significant milestone for Stellenbosch, as it was their first appearance in the quarterfinal stage of this prestigious inter-club competition after finishing second in Group B of the Confed Cup.
As they faced off against the two-time Confederation Cup champions and 14-time Egyptian champions, Stellenbosch received a much-needed confidence boost leading up to the match. The team welcomed a visit from three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach Pitso Mosimane, who took the time to motivate the players ahead of this crucial encounter. Mosimane, currently in South Africa to oversee his Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools program after leaving Iranian club Esteghlal FC, provided valuable insights to the players and coaching staff.
Stellenbosch made several changes to their lineup following a disappointing loss to Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership just days earlier. Coach Steve Barker opted to start Enyinnaya Godswill, Fawaaz Basadien, and Ashley Cupido, who were all eager to make an impact on the field.
The match began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the first half. However, Stellenbosch began to find their rhythm towards the end of the half, with Basadien delivering some quality crosses into the Zamalek box. Despite their efforts, the home side could not capitalize on these opportunities.
Five minutes into the second half, Stellenbosch had a promising chance to break the deadlock when Genino Palace found himself in a one-on-one situation with Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Moussa. Unfortunately for Stellies, the collision with Moussa ended the chance without a goal.
As the match progressed, the home side looked increasingly dangerous. Sage Stephens, Stellenbosch's goalkeeper, made a stellar save to deny Zamalek's Ahmed Sayed, who had connected with a powerful header that seemed destined for the back of the net. The pressure mounted in the closing stages, with Zamalek pushing for a winner. Mostafa Shalaby nearly found the breakthrough ten minutes from time, but his header missed the target, leaving the match scoreless.
Throughout the match, Stellenbosch struggled to penetrate Zamalek's well-organized defense, which was marshaled effectively by captain Omar Gaber. The Egyptian side's defensive resilience proved challenging for Stellies, who found it difficult to create space for their strikers, particularly Ashley Cupido, who was starved of service.
Despite the draw, Stellenbosch FC remains hopeful of progressing to the semifinals. Coach Steve Barker acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "We got a little bit sloppy," reflecting on the team's performance. However, he remains optimistic about their chances in the return leg, which will take place at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
With both teams now preparing for the decisive second leg, the stakes couldn't be higher. Stellenbosch will need to harness their home advantage and build on the confidence gained from their first-quarter final appearance. Meanwhile, Zamalek will look to leverage their experience in the competition to secure a place in the semifinals.
This matchup has highlighted Stellenbosch's determination and resilience as they navigate their debut in CAF inter-club competition. Although they faced a formidable opponent in Zamalek, the Maroons have demonstrated their ability to compete at this level, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the return leg in Cairo.
The upcoming clash will be critical for both teams as they vie for a semifinal spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. With the return leg just around the corner, the excitement continues to build as Stellenbosch FC prepares to take on the challenge head-on.
