Stellenbosch FC failed to secure a CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg victory following a drab goalless draw against defending champions Zamalek on Wednesday.
Stellies hosted the Egyptian giants at the Cape Town Stadium in what was one of the glamour ties of the competition and had hoped to get a win to take to the second leg in Cairo next week but failed in their attempts.
Chances were few and far between as both teams played out a goalless first half when neither side really threatened.
Toothless first half display
Zamalek had their first real chance after 36 minutes when Mostafa Shalaby cut in from the right wing and found himself in the box only to fire over while Devin Titus had a chance for the home side just before the break.
Ashley Cupido came close for Stellenbosch three minutes after restart when he was played in but his outstretched leg could not get onto the ball as the Zamalek goalkeeper tangled with him.
Both sides then huffed and puffed and 15 minutes from time, Zamalek right-back Omar Gaber brought in a delicious cross but Thato Khiba was there to clear the danger for Stellies.
What does the result mean?
Defender Mahmoud Hamdy would float in a good ball for Shalaby but the winger failed to connect well with it as another chance went begging for the visitors.
Five minutes from time, Zamalek should have broken the deadlock when Ahmed Sayed headed in from close range but Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens pulled off a great save.
That is how it ended as Zamalek failed to get a vital away goal and will head to the second leg at home under pressure as they must win and also ensure Stellenbosch do not score.
The second leg will be played at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, April 9.
