Kaizer Chiefs must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round tie.
The Soweto club were beaten at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola after Red Arrows captain Alassane Diarra scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute.
Played in scorching conditions, the contest remained finely balanced for long periods. Kaizer Chiefs were unable to find an equaliser after Diarra’s late intervention, leaving Red Arrows with a narrow advantage for the return fixture.
The result puts pressure on the Glamour Boys to produce a response at home if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage alive.
Return leg in Durban
Kaizer Chiefs will host Red Arrows on Friday, 23 October, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
The South African side will need to win by at least two clear goals to progress without requiring extra considerations over the aggregate score. Red Arrows, meanwhile, will advance if they avoid defeat, while a draw would also be enough to secure their place in the group stage if the aggregate score remains in their favour.
Diarra’s goal has given the Zambian club the advantage going into the decisive match, although Kaizer Chiefs will have home support behind them in Durban.
Red Arrows’ captain struck with 13 minutes of normal time remaining, turning a closely fought encounter in the visitors’ favour and leaving Amakhosi with a clear task in the second leg.
Kaizer Chiefs must now find a way to break down Red Arrows and overturn the deficit on home soil. Their response will determine whether their continental campaign continues into the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
