Kaizer Chiefs, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Zambia’s Red Arrows, while Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over African Stars.
KAIZER CHIEFS IN THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
Falling to Arrows at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, coach Fernando Da Cruz opted for a cautious approach, with his defensively structured lineup keeping the hosts at bay throughout the first half.
Alassane Diarra broke the deadlock in the 76th minute after Amakhosi had resisted for much of the battle which was not televised. The result leaves Kaizer Chiefs with all to play for in the second leg.
The game is set for Friday, 23 October at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00. Victory for Kaizer Chiefs will secure a place in the final 16 group stage.
How Kaizer Chiefs lined-up: Renaldo Leaner, Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane, Bradley Cross, Paseka Mako, Reeve Frosler, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, Luke Baartman
Substitutes: Bruce Bvuma, Rushwin Dortley, Kabelo Nkgwesa, Thulani Mabaso, Asanele Velebayi, Faiz Abrahams, Etiosa Ighodaro, Flavio Da Silva, Wandile Duba.
ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Over in Botswana, Orlando Pirates laboured into a 1-0 victory over Namibian champions African Stars. The game was played at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, as Namibia has no CAF-approved venues.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Bucs struggled to find a breakthrough in a closely contested first half, with both teams creating half-chances. The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Tshepang Moremi found the back of the net. His goal handed the Buccaneers a valuable first-leg advantage ahead of the return fixture in Soweto next Saturday.
How Orlando Pirates lined-up: Sipho Chaine, Bulelani Sigomoshe, Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Thalente Mbatha, Simphiwe Selepe, Simphiwe Masilela, Tshepang Moremi, Ghampani Lungu, Yanela Mbuthuma.
Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla (GK), Sbangani Zulu, Deon Hotto, Mtheleleli Mthiyane, Cemran Dansin, Mpho Padime, Kabelo Kgositsile, Bheki Mabuza, Evidence Makgopa.