Kaizer Chiefs find themselves under renewed pressure following a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32, a result that quickly shifted the mood around the club.
The defeat came just days after Amakhosi had taken confidence from a narrow but important 1-0 victory over ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP GROUP D OPENS UP
That win had lifted Kaizer Chiefs to second place in Group D on seven points and appeared to steady their continental campaign.
However, results elsewhere have complicated the picture. On Sunday night, Zamalek edged Al Masry 2-1 in Egypt, a result that leaves Chiefs level on points with the Egyptian side, while Zamalek now lead the group on eight points.
Attention now turns to a crucial Group D fixture on Sunday, when Al Masry visit the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Egyptians will arrive with confidence, having already beaten Chiefs 2-1 in Suez earlier in the group stage.
That match is followed by another stern test, with Amakhosi set to travel to Cairo to face group leaders Zamalek, while Al Masry take on ZESCO United, the current bottom side, on the same night.
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Kaizer Chiefs’ history in continental competition has been mixed. Their finest moment came in 2001, when they lifted the African Cup Winners’ Cup after defeating Angola’s Inter de Luanda 2-1 on aggregate over two legs.
Since then, progress has often been halted early. In 2014, the Soweto giants were eliminated by ASEC Mimosas in the playoff round, while in the 2018/19 season they exited in the second qualifying round after falling to ZESCO United.
With little margin for error left in Group D, the coming fixtures are set to play a decisive role in shaping Kaizer Chiefs’ continental campaign.
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KAIZER CHIEFS VS AL MASRY STARTING LINE-UPS
Confirmed Kaizer Chiefs starting 11: Petersen, McCarthy, Msimango, Kwinika, Solomons, Ndlovu, Maboe, Shabalala, Mmodi, Lilepo, Da Silva.
Substitutes: Bvuma, Mako, Monyane, Mabaso, Matlou, Sirino, Vilakazi, Mayo, Velebayi.
Confirmed Al Masry starting 11: Abdelbaky, Masnour, Sobhi, Eleraky, Ibrahim, El Sayed, Sawafta, Temine, Hashem, Deghmoum, Mohsen.
Substitutes: To be confirmed.