Stellenbosch held as Sage Stephens makes crucial saves to deny Zamalek SC in a Caf Confederation Cup showdown

Stellenbosch and Zamalek fought to a 0-0 draw during a Caf Confederation Cup duel at a Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Although the game started at a rather high tempo, there were few meaningful chances created in the first half.

Stellies' Andre De Jong attempted a long-range shot in the 27th minute, but Zamalek's goalkeeper, Mohamed Moussa, collected the ball with ease.

Mohamed Shehata wasted Zamalek's most open chance in the first half when he fired wide while inside the box in the 37th minute.

In the 40th minute, Stellies' Ashley Cupido tried to test Moussa only to see his long-range shot fly over the bar.

Genino Palace came close to breaking the deadlock in favour of the home side, but the visiting goalkeeper made a vital block to deny his opponent. In the process, the two collided and needed medical attention before they returned to action in the 50th minute.

In the 67th minute, Moussa was called to action again as he reacted fast to collect a header by Sihle Nduli.

Although he was not tested for the better part of the match, Sage Stephens made a massive save in the 85th minute to deny Zamalek's Nasser Mansi what could have easily been an opener.

Stephens made a crucial stop that saved his side from going down late in the second half.

After fighting hard to keep Zamalek at bay for the better part of the game, it would have been frustrating if Stellies had conceded late. They have Stephens to thank for making that crucial save against Zamalek, who were more threatening in the second half than they were in the first half.

He also made sure Ahmed Sayed did not score when he made a timely dive to collect the dangerous ball in the 80th minute.

Moussa made a number of good saves that kept the scoreline in favour of his team.

His quick reaction to deny Palace early in the first half proved vital, as the Stellies midfielder could have easily scored from close range.

He also stopped a header fired by Nduli when Stellies threatened late in the second half.

As he ensured that Stellies did not score, he would feel let down by his strikers who were not lethal on the the other end of the pitch.

Stellies will travel to Cairo for the second leg duel scheduled for April 9.

By avoiding an away defeat, the Egyptian heavyweights could capitalise on the home advantage to win and progress at the expense of the Premier Soccer League outfit.