Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of reaching the Confederation Cup group stages suffered a major setback as they were beaten 1-0 by Red Arrows in Zambia on Tuesday.
Alassane Diarra scored the only goal after 76 minutes at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, heading home following a corner that Chiefs failed to clear. Fernando da Cruz’s side must now overturn the deficit in the second leg in Johannesburg next week.
Chiefs struggled to control the match in Ndola and created too few chances. Their performance will need to improve significantly in front of their home supporters if they are to progress.
Conceding from another set-piece will also concern Da Cruz, with dead-ball situations having caused problems for Amakhosi at times. He started with Ricardo Learner, Thabiso Monyane, Thabo Moloisane, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Mduduzi Tshabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi and Luke Baartman.
Monyane was forced off after 30 minutes with an injury and was replaced by Thulani Mabaso. His availability for the return match remains uncertain.
Da Cruz responded to the need for goals by introducing Flavio da Silva, Etiosa Ighodaro and Wandile Duba in the second half. Luke Baartman, Vilakazi and Tshabalala made way after struggling to influence the game.
Failure to reach the group stages would be a serious disappointment for Chiefs, who are aiming to remain a significant presence in continental football. The Confederation Cup has improved considerably in recent years, with many of the teams reaching its group and knockout rounds offering a high standard of competition.
Several sides competing at the latter stages of the Confederation Cup are also regular participants in the closing rounds of the Champions League. That level of opposition would provide valuable experience for players including Tshabalala, Vilakazi, Baartman, Ighodaro, Bradley Cross, Langelihle Phili, Asanele Velebayi, Faiz Abrahams and Duba.
Pirates take advantage
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, moved closer to the Champions League group stages with a hard-fought 1-0 win over African Stars of Namibia at Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.
Tshepang Moremi, one of the Buccaneers’ most impressive players across all competitions this season, scored the decisive goal after 75 minutes.
Moremi’s form is expected to earn him a place in Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad for next month’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou largely kept faith with the team that defeated TS Galaxy in the league during the week. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Bulelani Sigomoshe, Simphiwe Selepe and Gamphani Lungu retained their places.
Nkosikhona Ndaba, Thalente Mbatha and Yanela Mbuthuma returned to the starting line-up, adding different qualities to Pirates’ defensive and attacking play.
Ouaddou later brought on Sbangani Zulu, Evidence Makgopa, Mpho Padime and Mthetheli Mthiyane for Sibisi, Mbuthuma, Moremi and Selepe.
The result gives the youthful Pirates squad a strong platform before the return leg, although the group stages would provide a much tougher test. Ouaddou will look to experienced players such as Chaine, Sibisi, Deon Hotto, Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Moremi, Mohau Nkota and Makgopa to lead the challenge.
Progression would also benefit Mosimane, as emerging players including Seema and Mbuthuma would gain valuable continental experience.
