Kaizer Chiefs are expected to adopt an attacking approach when they host Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Friday evening, with their hopes of reaching the group stages at stake.
Fernando Da Cruz’s side were beaten 1-0 by the Zambian club in the first leg and now need a convincing home victory to overturn the deficit. Chiefs must win by at least two clear goals to secure qualification, while any result that fails to overturn the first-leg score will end their campaign.
Da Cruz is therefore likely to select a team capable of putting sustained pressure on Red Arrows from the opening whistle, with Chiefs needing to turn home advantage into a decisive result.
Chiefs’ expected line-up
Renaldo Leaner is expected to retain his place in goal. Reeve Frosler could start at right-back, with Thabiso Monyane unavailable because of injury.
Miguel Ignacio and Thabo Moloisane are in line to form the central defensive partnership, while Bradley Cross is likely to operate on the left side of the defence.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa could be paired with Lebohang Maboe in central midfield. The combination would offer Chiefs defensive protection while also providing support for their attacking players as they search for the goals required to progress.
Mduduzi Vilakazi is expected to play in the attacking midfield role. His responsibilities would include linking the midfield with the forward line and creating chances for the players ahead of him.
Pule Mmodi could start on the left wing, with Duba potentially selected on the opposite flank.
Flavio Silva is expected to lead the attack as the lone striker. Chiefs will need him, and the players supporting him, to be clinical in front of goal if they are to overturn the first-leg result.
A place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages will be secured only if Kaizer Chiefs win by at least two goals. Da Cruz will hope his side can produce the required performance at home and keep their continental campaign alive.
