Ben Youssef: ‘Vital Details’ Cost Chiefs In Confed Cup Opener
Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef says vital details decide CAF Confederation Cup matches after Amakhosi started the group stages with a loss to Al Masry.
Chiefs were edged 2–1 in a tightly contested match at Suez Stadium in Egypt on Sunday, a result that left the dressing room frustrated but far from discouraged.
Amakhosi conceded a second-half penalty when captain Brandon Petersen rushed out to clear the danger but ended up catching an Al Masry player instead. Bonheur Mugisha converted from the spot.
Chiefs equalised through versatile fullback Dillan Solomons, who was afforded time and space to cut inside before firing a left-footed strike into the far corner.
However, three minutes before stoppage time, poor marking on defender Inacio Miguel—who failed to clear a corner—proved costly as Mohamed Hashem pounced to score the winner.
“This was the first time that more than 80 percent of our players experienced this level of continental football,” Ben Youssef said.
“It’s very different from the PSL. Here you must be more focused and more aggressive. At this level, matches are decided by very small details. If you lose concentration for even one second, you can concede.”
Despite the disappointment, Ben Youssef praised the team’s effort and believes Chiefs were unlucky not to secure at least a point.
“Looking at our performance, we deserved a minimum of a draw,” he said. “But we need to learn from our mistakes. We’ll analyse the game, look at the positives and the negatives, and continue to work.”
Chiefs now turn their attention to a crucial home fixture against Egyptian giants Zamalek SC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday— a match that could play a decisive role in their group-stage ambitions.
Ben Youssef knows the challenge that awaits.
“Zamalek are one of the best teams in Africa with huge experience in continental competitions. It will be a tough game, but if we want to qualify, we cannot afford mistakes at home. We must win our home matches and collect more points away,” he said.
Chiefs’ Betway Premiership match against Magesi at Seshego Stadium has been postponed, giving Amakhosi extra time to prepare for the clash with Zamalek.
