Cairo, Egypt — Zamalek and Stellenbosch faced off in a tense quarterfinal match of the CAF Confederation Cup, with neither team able to seal the deal as the game ended in a goalless draw on Monday. The match, held at the Cairo International Stadium, saw both sides battling intensely for control on the pitch.
From the starting whistle, Zamalek displayed more urgency, pressing forward to create chances, while Stellenbosch focused on a solid defense strategy to counter-attack. Both teams showed commitment, yet the score remained 0-0 at halftime, with the pressure on them to capitalize in the second half.
“The match was very tight, and both teams fought hard,” Zamalek’s manager, José Peseiro, said post-match. “We had several opportunities but couldn’t convert. We need to work on that.”
As the first half concluded, fans were vocal in their cheers, supporting Zamalek as they sought an advantage. Zamalek made four attempts on goal while Stellenbosch managed just one, indicating a statistical lead for the home team.
Despite the missed opportunities in the first half, both teams intensified their efforts after the break. They continued to clash fiercely in midfield, with neither giving any space for breakthroughs. The match was marked by a series of fouls and stops that disrupted the flow of play.
“We knew Zamalek would be strong at home, but we planned to stay compact and look for our chances,” said Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker. “We executed our plan well, and it’s a positive result for us.”
Even while struggling to convert attacks, Zamalek maintained most of the possession but encountered a resolute Stellenbosch defense that withheld the pressure. The fans remained hopeful as the game progressed into the final minutes.
In the end, both teams walked away with a point. They will now prepare for the second leg of the quarterfinals with the anticipation of a better outcome. The draw leaves both teams in a situation where they must strategize closely to secure advancement in the tournament.
The CAF Confederation Cup continues to showcase competitive football, with teams eager to leave their mark, and both Zamalek and Stellenbosch are no exception. They must now focus on their upcoming matches to increase their chances of making it to the semifinals.
