Stellenbosch FC make history after audacious night in Cairo

STELLENBOSCH FC have etched their name into the record books after the Western Cape side booked their place in a first-ever CAF Confederation Cup semi-final with a historic 1-0 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek on an intoxicating Wednesday evening at the Cairo International Stadium.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

Steve Barker's team dumped the defending champions out on their home turf, courtesy of a finely taken goal from Sihle Nduli, who crashed home Lesiba Nku's pass high into the Zamalek net to send the entire Stellies team streaming towards the corner flag in celebration of the club's most famous goal.

Stellenbosch will now face Tanzanian side Simba FC, who is coached by South African Fadlu Davids, in the semi-finals.

It seems absurd to think now that South African clubs were once deeply reluctant participants in the African club competitions.

Orlando Pirates were the sole pioneers, having won the CAF Champions League way back in 1995, before Mamelodi Sundowns added their continental star in 2016.

Since then, teams from the southern-most tip of the continent have regularly advanced to the business end of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup, with Sundowns and Pirates again advancing to the Champions League semi-finals this year.