CAFCC: Stellenbosch stun Zamalek in Cairo to qualify for semifinals

Sihle Nduli scored the crucial goal for Stellenbosch to eliminate Zamalek. Photo Credit: Stellenbosch Football Club

The defending champions are out! Egyptian giants Zamalek were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage on Wednesday after falling at home to rising South African club Stellenbosch FC in a 1-0 second leg victory for the visitors, who advance by the same score on aggregate.

The Betway Premiership club had all the answers for a Zamalek attack that was severely weakened by the absence of talisman Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", who was kept out of the squad with transfer rumors swirling. Like the scoreless first leg, the first half passed largely without any noticeable incidents.

Stellenbosch's athletic and physically imposing defense continued to thwart Zamalek's attacking efforts and the visitors posed a threat on long throw-ins in the tactical duel.

In the end, the South African club showed the killer instinct in the 79th minute when a cross found substitute Lesiba Nku at the near post, who crossed low for Sihle Nduli to send a calm finish into the roof of the net in Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad's goal.

Now needing two goals, the task was far too tall for the uninspired Zamalek attack and Stellenbosch held on without too many issues for a historic victory. Stellies will now face Simba SC in the semifinals with the first leg set to be hosted by Simba in Dar es Salaam on April 20.