Kaizer Chiefs were disappointingly knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek at the Suez Canal Authority stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on a nail-biting final group stage match day on Saturday.
Juan Bazerra gave the hosts a 53rd-minute lead before Abdallah El-Said doubled the lead in the 72nd minute.
Glody Lilepo pulled a goal back three minutes later, but the White Knights held out to take first place in Group D.
OPINION | Why Kaizer Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup exit might be a good thing
Coupled with Al Masry’s 2-0 victory over ZESCO United in the other match in the group, Kaizer Chiefs, who started the day in top spot, finished up third, a point behind Zamalek and losing the second qualifying position to Al Masry on goal difference after ending level on points and head-to-head record.
Brave campaign
In ended a brave campaign for the Glamour Boys, who will now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership where they will aim for a first title since the 2014/15 season.
Failing that, a runner-up spot would secure them a CAF Champions League spot next season, while a third-place finish will mean another shot at the CAF Confederation Cup title.
As at the time of publishing, Kaizer Chiefs are in fourth place in the Betway Premiership standings, eight points behind fierce rivals Orlando Pirates.
They do have a game in hand over the Buccaneers and three matches in hand over third-place Sekhukhune United.
Kaizer Chiefs will next be in league action on Tuesday, 24 February at home against Stellenbosch FC, who are now coached by former Amakhosi mentor, Gavin Hunt.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30.
LATEST BETWAY PREMIERSHIP STANDINGS
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen © (1), Mako (29), Monyane (2), Kwinika (4), Msimango (25) (Solomons (18) 82’), Matlou (22), Ndlovu (8) (Mabaso (34) 72’), Maboe (6), Mmodi (13) (Vilakazi (28) 81’), Lilepo (19), Da Silva (32) (Mayo (3) 73’)
Subs not used: Bvuma (16); Shinga (33), Shabalala (7), Sirino (10), Velebayi (17)
Coaches: Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze