Kaizer Chiefs suffered a setback in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign after going down 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday, October 17.
The narrow defeat leaves Amakhosi with work to do in the return leg as they fight to keep their hopes of reaching the group stages of Africa’s second-tier club competition alive.
Chiefs travelled to Zambia determined to secure a positive result away from home, but Red Arrows made the most of their home advantage to take a crucial lead into next week’s decisive encounter.
The match marked the first meeting between the two clubs in continental competition, with both sides eager to gain an advantage in their pursuit of a place in the group stages.
Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz named a strong starting line-up, making just one change from the team that faced Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership earlier in the week. Luke Baartman came into the side to lead the attack, replacing Wandile Duba.
Amakhosi lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Renaldo Leaner in goal and captain Inacio Miguel marshalling the defence alongside Thabo Moloisane. Bradley Cross and Thabiso Monyane completed the defensive line.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa anchored the midfield, supported by Paseka Mako and Reeve Frosler, while Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi provided attacking support around Baartman.
Red Arrows, coached by Chisi Mbewe, entered the contest with confidence after progressing through the opening preliminary round with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Madagascar’s FC Rouge.
The Zambian outfit were also looking to make history by reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time.
For Chiefs, the encounter represented an opportunity to build on their experience from last season’s competition, when they reached the group stages but narrowly missed out on qualification for the quarter-finals on goal difference.
However, Saturday’s result means the Soweto giants must now regroup and prepare for the return fixture with their continental ambitions under pressure.
The defeat also underlines the importance of taking chances in knockout football, where a single goal can prove decisive over two legs.
Chiefs will have an opportunity to respond when the teams meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 23, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
Amakhosi will need a strong performance on home soil to overturn the deficit and secure their passage to the group stages.
With their supporters expecting a response, Da Cruz and his players will be under pressure to deliver when the two sides meet in Durban.
For Red Arrows, the 1-0 victory provides a valuable advantage, but the Zambian side will know that the tie remains open ahead of the second leg.
