Stellenbosch FC Make History, Reach CAF Confederation Cup Semi-Finals After Defeating Zamalek SC

In a landmark achievement for South African football, Stellenbosch FC have qualified for the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after edging out Egyptian giants Zamalek SC 1-0 on aggregate over two tightly contested legs.

The Cape Winelands-based club, relatively new to continental competition, showed maturity beyond their years as they held their nerve to complete the job at a packed Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 in the evening, following a 0-0 away in Cape Town week.

Needing only a goal and a cleansheet to advance, Stellenbosch FC delivered a tactically disciplined performance, shutting down Zamalek’s attack with a compact defensive shape and quick transitions. The backline, anchored by stalwart Olivier Toure and rising talent Thabo Moloisane, stood firm against waves of pressure from the Egyptian side, while goalkeeper Sage Stephens made several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Sihle Nduli, the former TS Galaxy defensive midfielder engine, was praised for his work ethic and poise under duress, which led to him scoring the match’s lone goal and sending his team to the semifinals for the first time. He was instrumental in limiting Zamalek’s rhythm and controlling the tempo.

This historic qualification marks Stellenbosch’s first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of a continental tournament. What started as a fairytale run in the CAF Confederation Cup has now become a serious bid for silverware, with the South African side proving they can mix it with the continent’s best.

In their upcoming CAF Confederations Cup semifinal, the Stellies will play Tanzania’ Simba SC, led by a South African-born coach Fadlu Davids. Time, date, and venue to be confirmed as soon.