Stellies stun Giants as underdogs shine in thrilling CAF Confederation Cup quarters

The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals delivered a weekend of jaw-dropping drama and underdog triumphs as debutants Stellenbosch FC silenced Cairo with a famous win over defending champions Zamalek.

Tanzania’s Simba SC and Algeria’s Constantine kept their nerve in nail-biting shootouts to book semi-final spots. Moroccan stalwarts RSB Berkane also made light work of their opponents, setting the stage for an electrifying semi-final lineup packed with surprises and ambition.

Stellenbosch 1—0 Zamalek 

Stellenbosch FC continued their impressive CAF Confederation Cup debut by defeating defending champions Zamalek SC 1-0 in Cairo, securing a spot in the semi-finals.

After a goalless draw in Cape Town, Stellies faced a tough away challenge but triumphed thanks to a 79th-minute goal by Sihle Nduli. Zamalek dominated the second half but left gaps at the back, which Stellenbosch capitalized on.

Despite late pressure, the South African side held firm for a historic win. They will now face Simba SC in the semi-finals after the Tanzanian side advanced past Al Masry on penalties.

Simba 2–0 Al Masry

Simba SC pulled off a dramatic comeback to eliminate Egypt’s Al Masry from the CAF Confederation Cup, winning 2-0 in regulation time in Dar es Salaam to level the tie 2-2 on aggregate, before triumphing 4-1 in a penalty shootout.

First-half goals from Elie Mpanzu and Steven Mukwala set the stage, with Simba dominating early. Al Masry improved after the break and survived a VAR-overturned penalty, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

In the shootout, Simba converted all four of their penalties, while Al Masry missed two out of three. The result sends Simba to the semi-finals, ending Al Masry’s campaign.

Berkane 1–0 ASEC Mimosas (2–0 agg)

Moroccan side RSB Berkane defeated ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire 1–0 in the second leg, completing a 2–0 aggregate victory to advance to the semifinals. Oussama Lamlioui’s goal in the 77th minute proved the difference between both sides.

USM Alger 1–2 Constantine (3–4 after penalties)

Constantine progressed to the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup at the expense of local rivals, USM Alger.

With the first leg result tied at 1-1, USM Alger took the lead through a 25th minute penalty converted by Adem Alilet. Abdennour Belhocini equalized for Constantine in the 56th minute. Both sides were unable to find a winner as the match headed into penalties.

The hosts converted 3 out of 5 penalties compared to four converted by Constantine who consequently progressed to the semi-finals.