Kaizer Chiefs collected another valuable CAF Confederation Cup victory, edging past ZESCO at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Congolese winger Lilepo found the winner as early as the 13th minute, thanks to quality high pressing from Pule Mmodi and a clever assist from Mfundo Vilakazi.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: KAIZER CHIEFS 1-0 ZESCO UNITED
A defensive error from ZESCO allowed Mmodi to find Vilakazi, who released it early to Lilepo, who ran onto it before finishing low into the net to give the Soweto giants the lead.
The goal settled Amakhosi, who created a few more openings between the 15th and 20th minute, but poor decision-making in the final third prevented them from extending the advantage.
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ZESCO showed some intent around the 30-minute mark with a rare attack that forced Brandon Petersen into a save, followed by two consecutive corners.
Kaizer Chiefs remained the more threatening side, and in the 37th minute, Flavio Silva missed a good chance, shooting just wide from inside the box.
Vilakazi went even closer just before halftime, striking the post from a free kick as Amakhosi went into the break ahead.
SECOND HALF
The second half began positively for Kaizer Chiefs, who played higher up the pitch but failed to test the goalkeeper.
As the match moved into the 60th minute, ZESCO enjoyed their best spell, creating several chances and pushing Amakhosi back. Petersen was called into action again and dealt well with the pressure.
Late on, Kaizer Chiefs almost sealed the game when Lebogang Maboe hit the crossbar with a long-range effort in the 89th minute. The hosts managed the closing stages and saw out the result without further trouble.
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The win moves Kaizer Chiefs up to second place in the group with seven points. Al-Masry also have seven points but leads on goal difference, ahead of their clash with Zamalek, who are on five points, later in Egypt.
Amakhosi’s remaining games include Al-Masry’s visit to Mzansi next Sunday, before a trip to Zamalek concludes the group stage. Only the top two teams will march to the quarterfinals.
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