Kaizer Chiefs have crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the group stage following a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC in Ismailia, Egypt.
Amakhosi went into the clash knowing that at least a draw would be enough to secure a place in the quarterfinals. But sadly, they failed to get the job done.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: ZAMALEK 2-1 KAIZER CHIEFS
Zamalek started aggressively, pushing Amakhosi back in the early exchanges. However, Kaizer Chiefs’ defence remained well organised under pressure.
The Egyptian giants created two clear chances inside the opening stages, but goalkeeper Brandon Petersen produced a crucial save to keep the scores level.
SECOND HALF
The Soweto giants absorbed the pressure well, but struggled to build meaningful attacks of their own. In the 53rd minute, Juan Bezerra rose highest inside the box to power home a brilliant header and give Zamalek a deserved 1-0 lead.
Kaizer Chiefs saw more of the ball after conceding, but lacked creativity and penetration in the final third.
In the 72nd minute, veteran midfielder Abdallah El Said struck a fine effort from the right side of the box, drilling the ball across goal and into the far corner. 2-0.
Just two minutes later, Lebohang Maboe delivered a dangerous corner that found Glody Lilepo, who powered a perfect header into the net. 2-1.
But despite pushing forward in the closing stages, Kaizer Chiefs lacked the quality to carve open clear goal-scoring opportunities. The equaliser never came.
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The defeat means Kaizer Chiefs miss out on the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals and adds to a frustrating season.
Amakhosi have now been eliminated in the early rounds of both the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup, missing out on three potential trophies.
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