Chiefs Stunned By Red Arrows In Ndola Setback
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Zambian outfit Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday afternoon.
Amakhosi entered the clash eager to end their winless run, having last tasted victory on 6 September against Siwelele in the Betway Premiership. Since that win, the Soweto giants have struggled for momentum, recording consecutive draws.
Mirroring their midweek setup against Stellenbosch FC, Chiefs fielded a defensive starting lineup containing six natural defenders alongside holding midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa. However, the cautious approach failed to deliver results as Chiefs struggled to create meaningful chances in attack.
Red Arrows capitalized in the 75th minute when attacking midfielder Alassane Diarra broke the deadlock with a free header. Left completely unmarked inside the penalty box, Diarra comfortably steered a corner delivery past the goalkeeper to seal the win for the hosts.
Following the away setback, Chiefs must now regroup before hosting Red Arrows in the decisive return fixture next Friday, 23 October, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Amakhosi need an outright victory in the home leg to overturn the aggregate deficit and secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
