Stellenbosch held Zamalek to a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final tie at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
On paper, with Steve Barker’s team making their CAF debut and history-rich Zamalek the defending champions of this competition with 13 continental trophies, it may have looked a one-sided affair – but not so on the pitch.
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It was Barker’s boys who enjoyed the early possession, as they sought a way to penetrate Zamalek’s defence, but neither side delivered a shot in anger in the opening 20 minutes.
Andre De Jong’s attempt from range in the 26th minute took a heavy deflection and was easily saved by Mohamed Moussa. The New Zealander was wide with another chance three minutes later.
Mostafa Shalaby tried his luck for Zamalek in the 38th minute but failed to trouble Sage Stephens as it went wide and high. Two minutes later Ashley Cupido curled an effort wide at the other end
With just a few goal attempts and no clear cut chances, it remained goalless at the break.
The first attempt of the half came in the 67th minute, but Sihle Nduli’s header was straight at Moussa. Ahmed Sayed’s long range attempt two minutes later lacked power and was saved by Stephens.
De Jong couldn’t direct his header on target in the 72nd minute.
The Egyptians almost got a late winner in the 85th minute but Stephens was able to make a save to keep it goalless.
