Stellenbosch FC will fly the flag for South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals against Zamalek. This is just one of several exciting fixtures ahead.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup still uses the away goals rule, which has been scrapped by the European administrative body UEFA. This means that Stellenbosch will have to be wary of Zamalek’s attempts to pick up a goal on the road in Cape Town. The quarter-finals will be played on 2 April.
Stellenbosch vs. Zamalek
Stellenbosch will host Egyptian giants Zamalek, the defending champions, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. This will be a momentous occasion for Stellies, who started as a small community club but have become a regular challenger to South Africa’s big three – Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. They have made the quarter-finals in their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Now, they will face one of Africa’s biggest sides. However, Stellies will not be pushovers. They have quality internationals such as Bafana Bafana’s starting left-back, Fawaaz Basadien, who can help them secure at least a draw at home.
Both teams sit third in some of Africa’s most competitive leagues. Stellies occupy third place in the South African Premiership, while Zamalek are third in the Egyptian Premier League.
Never one to shy away from a battle, Stellenbosch are likely to attempt to take the game to Zamalek in the home leg. If all goes well, they may then park the bus on unfamiliar territory in Cairo.
CS Constantine vs. USM Alger
Constantine will host USM Alger in an Algerian Derby at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium. Constantine finished narrowly behind Tanzanian giants Simba in Group A, while USM Alger topped Group C ahead of ASEC, Jaraaf and Orapa United.
USM are third in Algeria’s Ligue Professionelle 1, while Constantine is ninth. USM are therefore the likely winner of this tie. However, Constantine upset them 1-0 in November, with Achraf Boudrama scoring the winner in the 34th minute. The hosts cannot be completely written off on home soil for the first leg.
ASEC Mimosas vs. RS Berkane
Côte d’Ivoire’s iconic ASEC Mimosas will host the runaway leaders of the Moroccan Botola Pro, RS Berkane. The first leg will take place at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan.
This match is likely to be tightly fought, but given Berkane’s form in one of the most competitive leagues in Africa, they are likely to take this tie.
Al Masry vs. Simba SC
Al Masry will host Fadlu Davids’ Simba at the New Suez Stadium in Suez, Egypt in the first leg of what should be a tightly fought tie. The two teams are relatively evenly matched on paper and a draw in the first leg is likely.
Conclusion: CAF Confederation Cup Soccer Worth Watching
The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals promise thrilling encounters, with Stellenbosch FC carrying South Africa’s hopes against defending champions Zamalek. Stellies’ remarkable rise makes them formidable, but Zamalek’s pedigree ensures a stern test. The away goals rule adds intrigue, emphasising defensive discipline.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s derby between CS Constantine and USM Alger could swing on home advantage, despite USM’s superior league form. ASEC Mimosas face a tough task against Morocco’s RS Berkane, whose domestic dominance may prove decisive.
Lastly, Al Masry and Simba SC appear evenly matched, likely leading to a cagey first-leg stalemate. Across these fixtures, underdogs will seek to capitalise on home support, while established giants aim to assert their continental pedigree. With tactical battles and high stakes, the quarter-finals are set to deliver compelling drama, showcasing African football’s depth and competitiveness.
Fans and soccer betting aficionados can expect passion, unpredictability, and moments of brilliance as the road to the trophy heats up.
