Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup after losing 3-2 on penalties to Red Arrows, despite winning Friday’s second-leg encounter 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Amakhosi levelled the aggregate score at 1-1 through a second-half header from Bradley Cross, but missed opportunities in normal time proved costly as the Zambian side secured qualification for the group stage.
Kaizer Chiefs had entered the match needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat and started aggressively, determined to give themselves a chance of continuing their continental campaign.
However, Red Arrows defended resolutely in the opening half, frustrating the home side and limiting clear scoring opportunities.
Kaizer Chiefs struggle to break down Red Arrows
Pule Mmodi won a corner inside the opening minute as Kaizer Chiefs immediately looked to put their opponents under pressure.
Amakhosi pushed forward and attempted to stretch the Red Arrows defence, with Mmodi and Reeve Frosler providing width on either flank.
Thulani Mabaso forced a save in the 12th minute, but clear chances remained limited as the visitors crowded the edge of their penalty area.
Wandile Duba went down inside the box in the 36th minute, but his penalty appeal was waved away.
Shortly before half-time, Frosler delivered a cross towards Mmodi at the far post, but the winger’s header lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper.
The teams went into the break with the score still goalless, leaving Kaizer Chiefs needing a stronger second-half performance.
Bradley Cross puts Amakhosi back in the tie
Kaizer Chiefs increased the pressure after the restart, with Faiz Abrahams firing over in the 47th minute before Mmodi almost sent Duba through on goal.
Mmodi then curled an effort wide as Amakhosi continued searching for the goal that would level the contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute.
Substitute Mfundo Vilakazi delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, where Cross beat his marker and guided a header inside the far post.
The goal made it 1-0 on the night and levelled the aggregate score at 1-1, giving Kaizer Chiefs renewed hope of reaching the group stage.
Cross also made an important defensive clearance moments later, preventing Red Arrows from capitalising at the other end.
Missed chances haunt Kaizer Chiefs
The Soweto giants had several opportunities to find the goal that could have secured qualification without a shootout.
In the 79th minute, Vilakazi produced an excellent run down the right before setting up Mduduzi Shabalala, who fired over from inside the box.
Five minutes later, substitute Ethan Chislett sent Shabalala through on goal, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper.
Asanale Velebayi also missed the target with a late opportunity as Kaizer Chiefs failed to find a decisive second goal.
With the aggregate score remaining level at 1-1, the tie went to penalties.
Red Arrows win the shootout
Kaizer Chiefs endured a painful end to their continental campaign during the penalty shootout.
Shabalala and Vilakazi converted their attempts, but Lebohang Maboe and Chislett both struck the crossbar, while Frosler’s penalty was saved.
Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma gave Amakhosi hope by saving Red Arrows’ first spot-kick, but the Zambian side recovered to win the shootout 3-2.
Is the early exit a blessing in disguise for Kaizer Chiefs?
Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …