CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
Smiso Msomi|Published
Kaizer Chiefs will have to overturn a first-leg deficit after suffering a 1–0 defeat to Zambia’s Red Arrows in their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round tie on Saturday.
Amakhosi conceded from a corner in the 76th minute at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, leaving themselves with work to do in the return leg if they are to advance to the group stages.
Having received a bye in the first preliminary round, Chiefs were hoping to make a positive start to their continental campaign. Instead, they return to South Africa needing a response after failing to keep the hosts at bay during the closing stages.
The defeat also extends a difficult week for the Soweto giants, who were held to a 1–1 draw by Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership in midweek.
Chiefs made just one change to their starting line-up for the trip to Zambia, with Luke Baartman replacing Wandile Duba in attack.
Still dealing with a shortage of fit midfielders, Reeve Frosler again operated in the middle of the park alongside Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the visitors looked to deliver a disciplined away performance.
Chiefs appeared to have kept Red Arrows at bay for much of the contest, but their failure to deal with a set piece proved costly.
The hosts capitalised from a corner in the 76th minute to break the deadlock and take a slender advantage into the second leg.
For Chiefs, the late concession will be particularly frustrating given the importance of keeping the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.
Amakhosi must now regroup quickly and find a way to break down Red Arrows when the sides meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 23 October.
With a place in the Confederation Cup group stages at stake, Chiefs will need a more decisive performance in front of goal while ensuring they are better organised defensively.
The 1–0 scoreline leaves the tie open, but the pressure is now firmly on the Soweto side to deliver at home.
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