Kaizer Chiefs face a quick rematch with Red Arrows in a key CAF Confederation Cup qualifier this Friday. The second preliminary round first leg kicks off at 18:00 local time at FNB Stadium, just six days after the Zambian side beat Chiefs 1-0 in a league fixture.
That defeat on October 17, decided by a 77th-minute goal from A. Diarra, is the most recent result for both clubs. It forms part of a mixed run for Chiefs, who have drawn three of their last five matches across all competitions. They currently sit fifth in the Premier Soccer League with 14 points from eight games, having recorded three wins and five draws, and are nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their recent form in the league reads one win, three draws and one loss from the last five outings, a sequence that includes draws with Stellenbosch, Golden Arrows and Polokwane City, and a win over Siwelele.
Recent form and results
Chiefs' recent form shows one win, three draws and that single loss. Their last outing before the Red Arrows defeat was a 1-1 home draw with Stellenbosch, where Mduduzi Shabalala scored the equaliser. Shabalala is the team's top scorer this season with two goals in five appearances. The squad that faced Stellenbosch lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring R. Leaner in goal and a midfield including Mfundo Vilakazi and Shabalala.
Friday's continental fixture offers an immediate chance for a response. The CAF Confederation Cup represents a significant target for the club this season. After this cup tie, the team's next domestic challenge is a league fixture away to second-placed Orlando Pirates on Saturday 31 October.
The team's league position, with a goal difference of +5 from 13 scored and 8 conceded, provides a platform but also highlights the need for greater consistency. Securing a positive result in this first leg is the clear objective before the return fixture in Zambia.
