In one of the most seismic results in recent CAF Confederation Cup history, Stellenbosch FC continued their fairytale debut campaign by knocking out defending champions Zamalek SC with a dramatic 1-0 victory in Cairo on Wednesday night.
Written off before a ball was kicked, Stellies defied the odds — and a roaring Cairo International Stadium — to claim one of the competition’s greatest upsets, progressing 1-0 on aggregate following last week’s goalless draw in Cape Town.
The South African newcomers, guided by tactician Steve Barker, approached the match with discipline and tactical maturity. Knowing that Zamalek would push for an early goal, Stellenbosch stayed compact, absorbed the pressure, and waited for their moment.
And when it came, they didn’t blink.
Midfielder Sihle Nduli etched his name into club folklore with a stunning 79th-minute strike — a low, precise effort that stunned the home faithful into silence and sent shockwaves through African football.
Zamalek, rattled by the sudden deficit, threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. But 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.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓. 🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/ZY7ksxgfKQ
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025Simba SC Complete Stunning Turnaround to Eliminate Al Masry on Penalties
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 after a dramatic night in Dar es Salaam.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Suez, Simba responded in style with a 2-0 win in regulation time, thanks to first-half goals from Elie Mpanzu and Steven Mukwala, which levelled the tie on aggregate.
With momentum firmly in their favour, the Tanzanian side kept their cool in the shootout. Jean Ahoua, Mukwala, Kibu Dennis, and Shomari Kapombe all converted flawlessly, while Al Masry crumbled under pressure — missing two of their three kicks and bowing out of the competition.
The penalty triumph sealed a semi-final berth for Simba, who now turn their focus to another continental debutant with giant-slaying credentials — Stellenbosch FC.
The Tanzanian dream is still alive. 💫
Simba SC's remarkable comeback earn them a place in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC semi-finals. 🎟 pic.twitter.com/sKQESRgA5A
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025RS Berkane Cruise Into CAF Confederation Cup Semi-Finals With Another Clinical Display
RS Berkane underlined their status as perennial CAF Confederation Cup contenders with a composed 1-0 second-leg win over ASEC Mimosas, sealing a 2-0 aggregate victory.
The Moroccan outfit — champions in 2020 and 2022 — dominated proceedings at home and finally made the breakthrough in the 75th minute through Oussama Lamlioui, who capped off a sustained period of pressure with a cool finish.
ASEC, despite their pedigree, never found their rhythm across either leg and failed to register a single goal. Berkane, meanwhile, looked every bit a team hungry for a third continental crown.
Their reward? A semi-final date with Algerian outfit CS Constantine, who edged an all-Algerian thriller.
Their remarkable journey continues. 🇲🇦
RS Berkane, the two-time champions, secure their place in the semi-finals. 👏#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/rkRrWOcqFm
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025CS Constantine Hold Nerve in Shootout to Dump Out USM Alger in All-Algerian Classic
In a clash that had everything — drama, goals, and a nail-biting finish — 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. There, Constantine held their nerve, converting four of their spot-kicks to eliminate their more decorated rivals 4-3.
Earlier, Adam Alilat had given USMA the edge with a composed penalty in the first half, before Abdelnour Belhousini headed home an equaliser for Constantine, setting up a tense final 30 minutes.
With no winner after regulation, it was Constantine who emerged victorious from the spot, sparking wild celebrations and a historic moment for the club on the continental stage.
The Algerian team writing history. 🇩🇿
CS Constantine, on their debut, clinch a place in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC semi-finals. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HcRpR1QmXm
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Semi-Final Line-Up:
- Stellenbosch FC (South Africa) vs Simba SC (Tanzania)
- RS Berkane (Morocco) vs CS Constantine (Algeria)
As the competition enters its final stretch, four teams remain — each with a story to tell, each with eyes on African glory. From underdogs to giants, the CAF Confederation Cup is delivering drama, upsets, and unforgettable nights under the lights.
