Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker attributed their crucial victory over Zamalek to their solid defensive performance in the first leg at home, where they avoided conceding a goal.

Stellenbosch achieved a remarkable upset in Africa, defeating Zamalek 1-0 in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

Sihle Nduli’s decisive goal, scored with just 10 minutes remaining, eliminated the defending champions from the tournament, thus sending Barker’s side to the semi-final.

 
“Yes, I think it was very important for us not to concede in our home game,” Barker said. 
 
“I think you all know in our home game, Zamalek really had a big chance in the 86th minute, but we made a really big save.  
 
“I think that was a turning point, and if they scored there, that would have made our class coming here very difficult.  
 
“So, knowing that we hadn’t conceded in a away goal [in favor of Zamalek], it was just a message to the players that we have to show hunger, desire, and work hard. 
 
“You don’t come to a place like this stadium [Cairo International Stadium] against a team like this, who are the defending champions and win without effort.  
 
“So, we knew that we would have to make sacrifices, and credit must go to the players for the work they put in.”

In the first leg, Stellenbosch and Zamalek drew 0-0 at DHL Stadium, an impressive feat considering it’s not their home ground. Barker felt they showed the Egyptians excessive respect in South Africa, despite identifying weaknesses in their play.

Notably, Stellenbosch has reached the semi-finals without playing a single game at their usual home, Danie Craven Stadium, which was deemed unsuitable by the PSL and CAF. They have also been playing their home matches in Durban and Pretoria.

“I think maybe we gave Zamalek too much respect in the first game because they are the reigning champions, a team with massive history and five Champions League titles,” said Barker, whose side are featuring in the Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history.  
 
“At home, maybe we just gave them too much respect, but after the game, I said to our team, and I think our players realised it’s not impossible to get to the semi-final.  
 
“We felt that we played well enough, and we could see there were certain deficiencies in the Zamalek team.  
 
“So, I think maybe we just gave them too much respect, and I think we just came in here with a little bit more bravery and courage to get to the game.”

The 2023 Carling Knockout champions will now face Tanzanian giants Simba, who also defeated Al Masry of Egypt on Wednesday. Simba is coached by a South African, Fadlu Davids.