Stellies Advance To The Semi Semifinal Of CAF Cup

Sihle Nduli’s 80th-minute strike helped Stellenbosch to advance to the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup on Wednesday evening at Cairo International Stadium against Zamalek.

These two rivals came to this game having played a 0-0 draw in the first leg in South Africa last week.

Stellies’ only goal of the match came in during the second-half through the 29-year-old Nduli.

Both Stellies and Zamalek started this game on a high foot, as they were controlling the game with dangerous passes going forward.

The visitors got the first chance in the 14th minute, unfortunately Andre De Jong’s shot went over the bar. Three minutes later, Zamalek almost got a goal, but they missed an opportunity to capitalize.

After 20 minutes, Stellies dropped their great display as the home side was in control of the game, trying to open the scoring. Fortunately for Stellies, Zamalek didn’t score even though they got so many shots.

In the second-half, Steve Barker introduced Lesiba Nku and Chumani Butsaka, resting Devin Titus and Genino Palace before the game even resumed.

Stellies pulled up their socks in the second half as they started the first 10 minutes well, but unfortunately, they didn’t score at least one goal with their chances they created.

The 2023 Carling Knockout champions continued playing well, and they almost got the first goal in the 64th minute, but Nku’s shot went straight to the hands of Mohamed Moussa. 

After Nku’s shot, Barker decided to substitute De Jong and Ashley Cupido for Sanele Barns and Khomotjo Lekoloane. Immediately after that substitution, Stellies thought they got a penalty, but the referee said the home side did nothing wrong on Thato Khiba.

With 10 minutes to go, Nduli fired a winning goal for the visitors to make it 1-0 on the scoreline. Two minutes after Nduli’s goal, Zamalek got a clear chance but failed to equalize.

This victory sends Stellies to the semi-final of the Confederation Cup, joining Fadlu Davids’ Simba, who beat Al Masry on Wednesday afternoon.

This is the first time Stellenbosch is playing a continental competition, and they are proving why they are in this competition as they eliminated the defending champions.