Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Zambia's Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Saturday. The loss at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola leaves Amakhosi with a deficit to overturn in Johannesburg next weekend.
Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe paid a significant compliment to the Soweto giants after the match. He said that, in his view, Kaizer Chiefs are the best ball possession team in South Africa. Mbewe warned his players they must remain solid and compact in the return leg to stop Chiefs from dictating the play. He elaborated that his team had prepared specifically to play without the ball, acknowledging the quality of their opponents.
The only goal of the game came in the 77th minute when Alassane Diarra capitalised on a corner that the Chiefs defence failed to clear. Mbewe admitted his team had targeted a bigger victory, creating numerous chances but only converting one. He expressed confidence his side would still qualify for the group stages despite the slender lead, stating they would travel to South Africa with a plan to finish the job.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the continental setback comes amid a patch of indifferent domestic form. They are currently fifth in the Premier Soccer League standings with 14 points from eight matches, having drawn three of their last four league games. Their next domestic assignment is a tough away fixture against second-placed Orlando Pirates on 31 October.
The team's recent results, including a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch before this trip, show a pattern of struggling to turn possession into wins. Top scorer Mduduzi Shabalala, who has two goals this season, was substituted in the second half against Red Arrows as coach Fernando da Cruz searched for an equaliser. Da Cruz lamented his team's lack of efficiency, noting they controlled the game but failed to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Injury added to the evening's frustrations, with right-back Thabiso Monyane forced off after half an hour with a knock. His availability for the key second leg is now in doubt. Da Cruz will need to find solutions quickly, with the entire season's continental ambitions resting on overturning a single-goal margin at home. The return leg is scheduled for next weekend at a venue in Johannesburg.
First reported at soccerladuma.co.za
