Chiefs Beat Al Masry To Go Top Of Confed Cup
Kaizer Chiefs secured a vital 2-1 victory over Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter on Sunday afternoon at Peter Mokaba Stadium, a result that propelled them to the top of Group D.
Amakhosi came into this match determined to get revenge against the Egyptian giants, after their previous meeting in the opening group-stage fixture ended in a 2–1 victory for Al Masry.
Both Chiefs and Al Masry started the game on the front foot, creating several chances within the first 25 minutes.
However, neither side managed to find the back of the net, as the defenders from both teams remained alert and well organized at the back.
Chiefs continued with their impressive display and eventually found the opening goal through Flávio Da Silva, who calmly converted a penalty, sending goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdelbaky the wrong way.
The penalty was awarded after Glody Lilepo’s right-footed shot from outside the box was blocked by captain Ahmed Mansour’s hand.
Just before halftime, Da Silva nearly doubled Amakhosi’s lead, but his left-footed effort from the left side of the opponent’s six-yard box struck the outside of the net. The first half then ended with Chiefs leading 1–0.
The second half began with an intense 20-minute spell in which both teams created numerous scoring opportunities.
It was the visitors who struck first, as Abderrarhim Deghmoum scored the equaliser in the 57th minute.
However, Chiefs responded quickly, restoring their lead just three minutes later. Aden McCarthy capitalised on a rebound after Zitha Kwinika’s header was saved by the goalkeeper, putting Amakhosi back in front.
In the 82nd minute, Chiefs nearly extended their lead when Lebohang Maboe combined well with Pule Mmodi, but Mmodi missed a clear chance to score the third goal.
Chiefs continued to push for more goals, but Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef’s side were unable to add to their tally, and the match ended 2–1 in favour of Chiefs.
Despite being the group leaders, Chiefs will know that a draw away against Zamalek next weekend will be enough to go through.
The other Group D match played on Sunday saw already-eliminated ZESCO United secure a 1–0 home victory over Zamalek. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch was hammered 3-0 by AS Otohô, meaning they cannot reach the knockout stages.
