STUNNING UPSETS ROCK CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: Stellenbosch FC Shock Zamalek SC, Simba SC Completes Remarkable Comeback

In a seismic result, Stellenbosch FC continued their fairytale debut campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup by knocking out defending champions Zamalek SC with a dramatic 1-0 victory in Cairo. This stunning upset marked one of the competition’s greatest shocks, with Stellenbosch progressing 1-0 on aggregate.

The South African newcomers, guided by tactician Steve Barker, defied the odds and a roaring Cairo International Stadium to claim victory. Midfielder Sihle Nduli etched his name into club folklore with a stunning 79th-minute strike, sending shockwaves through African football.

Zamalek, rattled by the sudden deficit, threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. However, Stellenbosch held firm, defending with grit and unity until the final whistle.

The result marked a symbolic shift — the new boys on the block had outfoxed the continental giants in their own fortress. The win books Stellenbosch FC a semi-final showdown with Simba SC, who staged a remarkable comeback of their own in Dar es Salaam.

On their first try, they've done it! 🤩

Stellenbosch FC qualify for the semi-finals for the first time ever. 👊#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/3XeMrARR4s

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025

Simba SC overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to stun Al Masry SC and book their place in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals. The Tanzanian side responded in style with a 2-0 win in regulation time, thanks to first-half goals from Elie Mpanzu and Steven Mukwala.

With momentum firmly in their favor, Simba kept their cool in the shootout, converting flawlessly to seal a semi-final berth. They now turn their focus to another continental debutant with giant-slaying credentials — Stellenbosch FC.

In other quarter-final action, RS Berkane underlined their status as perennial CAF Confederation Cup contenders with a composed 1-0 second-leg win over ASEC Mimosas. The Moroccan outfit sealed a 2-0 aggregate victory and will face Algerian outfit CS Constantine in the semi-finals.

CS Constantine outlasted reigning champions USM Alger on penalties to reach the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history. The second leg at the Stade 5 Juillet mirrored the first leg’s 1-1 scoreline, sending the tie to a shootout. Constantine held their nerve, converting four of their spot-kicks to eliminate their more decorated rivals 4-3.

The road to the semi-finals. 🔜

Check the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC 2nd leg quarter-final results from below. 👇 pic.twitter.com/xPcLqdBaLH

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025