Kaizer Chiefs have injected new life into their CAF Confederation Cup Group D run, thanks to the narrow victory at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
The result becomes Amakhosi’s first win in the group phase. The first outing was a 2-1 loss against Al-Masry in Egypt, followed by a 1-1 draw against Zamalek in Polokwane.
KAIZER CHIEFS IN GROUP D
Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Ben Khalil Youssef made three changes. Dillan Solomons, Mfundo Vilakazi and Khanyisa Mayo replaced Thabiso Monyane, Glody Lilepo and Mduduzi Shabalala.
In the first minute, Mfundo Vilakazi drove at the defence and forced a deflection that resulted in a corner. From the set-piece, Kaizer Chiefs struck gold. Flavio Silva’s header crashed against the post, and Pule Mmodi reacted quickest to tap home from close range to make it 1-0.
ZESCO slowly grew into the contest between the 10th and 25th minute, seeing more of the ball and enjoying longer spells of possession. However, despite their improved control, they struggled to break down a disciplined Kaizer Chiefs backline.
Both sides found it difficult to build fluency, with the poor pitch conditions disrupting passing patterns and slowing the tempo.
Kaizer Chiefs started the second half with better energy. In the 49th minute, Vilakazi delivered a pinpoint free kick that substitute Glody Lilepo headed over the bar, a big opportunity to double the lead.
ZESCO turned up the pressure from minutes 65 to 80, launching wave after wave of attacks and forcing Amakhosi into a deeper defensive shape. Still, they failed to truly test goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
In the closing stages, Kaizer Chiefs shifted into game-management mode. They absorbed pressure, and slowed the game to secure the result.
The win leaves Kaizer Chiefs and Zamalek tied on four points each, while Al-Masry remain top with six points. The two Egyptian sides will do battle in Cairo this evening at 21:00.
Amakhosi’s next showdown in the competition is against ZESCO in the return leg. The game is set for the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 1 February at 15:00.
Also read: Full list: 9 Kaizer Chiefs youngsters sent out on loan
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