Stellenbosch FC’s dream TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup run continued on Wednesday evening after they sent shockwaves across the continent with a 1-0 win over defending champions, Zamalek SC in Cairo.
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After holding the defending champions to a goalless draw in Cape Town last week, the tournament debutants had the mammoth task of travelling up north to face the Egyptian powerhouse in front of an intimidating Cairo crowd.
With the odds heavily stacked against them, Stellies – as the South African side is affectionately known did the unthinkable with a gallant showing that concluded with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Egyptian giants thanks to a late strike by midfielder, Sihle Nduli.
It was a cagey affair in Cairo from start to finish, with the visitors treading carefully against their more fancied opponents who also were cautious in their approach – wary of being caught on the break.
With the tie going into the break goalless, Zamalek came out stronger in the second half with the aim of putting matters to rest.
The tactic proved to work against them, as their added numbers in attack exposed them at the back.
It was in the 79th minute that Sihle Nduli, found the back of the net with a late strike that silenced the Cairo International Stadium.
With victory well in sight for the tournament debutants, they held on against the ongoing attack of the hosts who tried breaking the stubborn defense but did not have luck on their side against a well structed Steve Barker led side.
The victory for Stellenbosch sees them set up a semi-final encounter against Tanzanian giants, Simba SC who overturned a 2-0 first leg defeat to Al Masry to advance 4-1 on penalties following their 2-0 victory in Dar Es Salaam.
