Football fans are eagerly awaiting a fiery encounter as Zamalek SC, the reigning champions of the CAF Confederation Cup, face off against Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the quarter-finals on April 2, 2025. The match, taking place at Cape Town Stadium in South Africa, is set to kick off at 3:00 PM Cairo time, 4:00 PM in Saudi Arabia, and 5:00 PM in the UAE. Zamalek, under the management of Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, is determined to secure a positive result away from home to ease their path to the semi-finals.
Having topped Group D with 14 points—four wins and two draws without a loss—Zamalek enters this match with high hopes of retaining their title for the second consecutive year. The team is looking to build on their impressive form in the group stage and translate it into knockout success. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC, who finished second in Group B with 9 points, are keen to capitalize on home advantage and pull off an upset against the Egyptian giants.
As the teams prepare to clash, both sides have their sights set on the return leg, which is scheduled for April 9, 2025, at Cairo International Stadium. The stakes are high, and Zamalek's fans are hopeful for a strong performance that will set the tone for the decisive second leg.
In the lead-up to the match, Zamalek's lineup has seen some changes. Ahmed Fatouh, who returns to the starting eleven, replaces Moayad Alaa, who was unable to travel due to visa issues. The starting lineup is as follows: Mohamed Awad in goal, with a defense comprising Mahmoud Hamdi "Al Wensh", Hossam Abdel-Majeed, and Salah El-Din Masdaq. The midfield features Amr Gaber, Nabil Emad, Mohamed Shahata, and Ahmed Fatouh, while the attack is led by Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", Saif El-Din El-Jaziri, and Mostafa Shalaby.
As the match kicks off, the initial minutes see both teams cautiously assessing each other. Zamalek attempts to apply pressure, but Stellenbosch holds firm. The first significant chance comes in the 15th minute when Stellenbosch dominates possession but struggles to convert their efforts into clear-cut scoring opportunities. A series of missed chances by Stellenbosch, including a powerful strike from Andre de Jong that sails over the bar, highlights their frustration.
In the 37th minute, Zamalek finally breaks through with their first meaningful attack, as Mustafa Shalaby leads a counter but his shot goes high. The first half concludes with both teams locked in a goalless stalemate, reflecting a tactical battle rather than a showcase of offensive prowess.
The second half resumes with both teams looking to seize control. Zamalek's Zizo and Stellenbosch's Nduli exchange chances, but both goalkeepers remain resolute. In the 75th minute, Zamalek creates a golden opportunity when a cross from Zizo finds Mostafa Shalaby, whose header is brilliantly saved by the Stellenbosch keeper, keeping the score level.
As the match nears its conclusion, Zamalek’s Nasser Mansi strikes the post in what could have been the decisive moment of the game. With the clock winding down, both teams push forward in search of a late winner, but the match ends in a disappointing 0-0 draw.
Despite the lack of goals, the match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and sets up an intriguing return leg in Cairo. Zamalek will need to capitalize on their home advantage to secure their place in the semi-finals, while Stellenbosch will aim to build on their solid defensive display and find a way to score in the second leg.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Zamalek seeks to defend their title against a spirited Stellenbosch side. The excitement continues as both teams gear up for what promises to be an electrifying return match.
