Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef praised his side’s players for collecting maximum points on a difficult pitch at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Amakhosi collected their first-ever win against Zambian opponents thanks to an early goal by Pule Mmodi, who pounced on a rebound after Flavio Da Silva’s header hit the post.
Apart from the opener, though, Chiefs hardly created any other notable chances, with the hosts also
“It was a physical game. For us the target, we came for three points, we didn’t come to play great football or to enjoy, we came for three points,” he said after the match, via SABC1.
“I think we deserve to win this game, we deserve the three points.”
Despite being happy with the result, Ben Youssef expressed his dissatisfaction with the condition of the pitch, claiming it hindered his side from playing their usual style.
“The pitch made it difficult for us,” he added.
“Maybe it’s easier for ZESCO United, who play long balls, for us we play a technical game, we play short passes, we make the progression with short passes.
“Unfortunately today with this pitch it was difficult to play our football, so we were playing another football. We are not a physical team, we are a technical team. That made it more difficult for us, it was only long balls…
“I have to say congratulations for the players. We said we come for three points, we don’t come to play, we come to win. That’s why I have to say congratulations to the players how they played, how they fight. They deserve it.”