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Stellenbosch’s head coach, Steve Barker, credited their crucial victory over Zamalek to a strong defensive performance in the initial leg at home, where they successfully maintained a clean sheet.
Stellenbosch achieved a remarkable upset in Africa by defeating Zamalek 1-0 in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.
Sihle Nduli’s vital goal, scored with just 10 minutes remaining, eliminated the defending champions from the tournament, propelling Barker’s team into the semi-finals.
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“It was indeed essential for us to remain without conceding during our home fixture,” Barker commented.
“As you might recall, Zamalek had a significant chance in the 86th minute at our venue, but we made an incredible save.
“That moment was crucial, and if they had scored, it would have made our task here much tougher.
“Knowing that we hadn’t conceded an away goal [to Zamalek] sent a powerful message to the players: we needed to exhibit hunger, desire, and commitment.
“You cannot enter a stadium like this [Cairo International Stadium] against such a formidable opponent, the reigning champions, without putting in the necessary effort.
“Hence, we recognized that sacrifices were essential, and the players deserve applause for their dedication.”
In the first leg, Stellenbosch and Zamalek ended in a 0-0 stalemate at DHL Stadium, a noteworthy feat considering it was not their usual ground. Barker believed they had shown the Egyptians too much respect in South Africa, despite noting some weaknesses in their performance.
Importantly, Stellenbosch has advanced to the semi-finals without playing a single match at their regular home ground, Danie Craven Stadium, which has been declared unfit by the PSL and CAF. The team has been hosting their home games in Durban and Pretoria instead.
“I think we may have shown Zamalek too much respect in the first encounter because they are the reigning champions, a distinguished club with a rich history and five Champions League titles,” remarked Barker, whose squad is competing in the Confederation Cup for the first time.
“At home, we might have shown them too much deference, but afterward, I conveyed to our team that reaching the semi-finals was certainly within our grasp.
“We felt our performance was strong enough, and we identified certain weaknesses in the Zamalek squad.
“Therefore, I believe we approached this match with greater courage and determination.”
The 2023 Carling Knockout champions are scheduled to take on Tanzanian powerhouse Simba, who also triumphed over Al Masry of Egypt on Wednesday. Simba is coached by South African Fadlu Davids.
