Dailysports News Football news CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals: Stellenbosch FC to Face Defending Champions Zamalek

CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals: Stellenbosch FC to Face Defending Champions Zamalek

Football news 21 feb 2025, 21:29

Khaled Hegazy Dailysports's expert

CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals: Stellenbosch FC to Face Defending Champions Zamalek

Photo: Zamalek SC

Stellenbosch FC of South Africa will face Egyptian powerhouses and reigning champions Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal draw, which was place in Doha, Qatar.

Stellenbosch’s Journey to the Quarter-Finals

Stellenbosch FC, participating in their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup, have defied expectations by reaching the last eight. The club secured their quarter-final spot after finishing second in Group B with 9 points, behind Moroccan side RS Berkane (16 points).

Before the group stage, the Cape Winelands-based side cruised through the preliminary rounds, defeating:

Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini) – 8-0 on aggregate
AS Vita Club (DR Congo) – 3-1 on aggregate

Despite their success, Steve Barker’s team is facing a monumental challenge against Zamalek, a club with a rich history in African football.

Zamalek’s Dominance in African Football

Zamalek, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, finished top of Group D with 14 points, ahead of fellow Egyptian side Al Masry (9 points). The Cairo-based club boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including:

5 CAF Champions League titles
2 CAF Confederation Cup titles (including last season’s triumph)
14 Egyptian Premier League titles

The White Knights defeated RS Berkane in last year’s final and are determined to retain their title.

Stellenbosch Coach Steve Barker’s Reaction

Barker acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but expressed excitement at the opportunity to face such a high-profile opponent.

Barker on facing Zamalek: "Playing a team of Zamalek’s calibre is exciting. They are a giant in African football, serial Champions League winners, and defending champions of this tournament. There’s a big challenge ahead, but it’s one we relish."

He emphasized that his team is determined to make a name for themselves on the continent, despite being labeled underdogs.

Barker added: "We were always going to be underdogs no matter who we drew, but we pride ourselves on being a committed and resilient team. We want to make our own mark on the continent, and this is our opportunity."

Zamalek’s Focus on Domestic Football

Zamalek’s assistant coach Ayman Abdelaziz played down concerns about Stellenbosch, stating that the team is currently focused on their upcoming league clash against rivals Al Ahly before shifting attention to the Confederation Cup.

Abdelaziz on the draw: "Zamalek is a champion team and the title holder. Right now, everyone is focused on the summit match against Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League. The players and staff weren’t too concerned about the draw; their main goal was just to know the opponent."