Kaizer Chiefs are truly back where they want to be, on the continental stage.
After edging past Kabuscorp of Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup last 64 round, Amakhosi have now booked their place in the final 32.
The result was made possible by a turnaround after Kaizer Chiefs had lost the away leg to Kabuscorp in Luanda the previous weekend.
KAIZER CHIEFS EDGE KABUSCORP IN THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
The Phefeni Glamour Boys went down 1-0 in the first leg away at the 11 November Stadium, before Brandon Petersen and company turned it around at FNB Stadium.
Interim coach Cedric Kaze had made five changes. Lilepo replaced Khanyisa Mayo, while Bradley Cross and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo replaced the injured duo of Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu. The other two changes were Dillan Solomons at right back and Mduduzi Shabalala in attacking midfield.
Glody Lilepo’s 41st-minute strike levelled the tie on aggregate, and when penalties rolled around, Petersen pulled off the one big save that mattered, while Gaston Sirino, Reeve Frosler, Flavio Da Silva, Thabo Cele and Aden McCarthy all stepped up to score, sealing a tense 5-4 shootout victory.
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE LAST 32?
So, what’s next? Kaizer Chiefs are waiting on the outcome of the last 64 tie between Djabal FC of Comoros and AS Simba from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese Cup champions hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg, with the decisive return match set to be played this Saturday in East Africa.
If AS Simba progresses, Kaizer Chiefs will face a tricky test against a side known for their physical game and strong home support. If Djabal pull off a surprise, Amakhosi could find themselves on a short trip to the Comoros, which on paper, looks the easier assignment.
Before thinking about Africa again, Amakhosi have league and cup business to handle. AmaZulu visit FNB Stadium on Wednesday night at 19:30, then it’s off to the Western Cape for a Carling Knockout battle with Stellenbosch FC on Sunday afternoon.