Chiefs Suffer A Heartbreak As They Exit Confed Cup

Heartbreak for Kaizer Chiefs as they were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs only needed to avoid defeat to secure progression to the knockout stages, having entered the match top of Group D with 10 points.

Although Amakhosi competed well in the first half — particularly in midfield where they disrupted Zamalek’s rhythm — the Egyptian giants improved after the break. Goals from Juan Alvina and Abdallah El Said gave the hosts control of the contest.

Glody Lilepo pulled one back late in the game to set up a tense finish, but Zamalek, backed by a vociferous home crowd in Ismailia, held on for the crucial victory.

The result saw Zamalek finish top of Group D with 11 points. Chiefs dropped to third place on 10 points, while Al Masry SC claimed second spot after defeating ZESCO to progress to the next round.

Chiefs came into this match knowing that a draw would be enough to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The match started at a high tempo, with both Chiefs and Zamalek creating several scoring opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the defenders at both ends remained alert.

The home side nearly opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Oday Dabbagh unleashed a left-footed shot from outside the box, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson produced an excellent save.

Both teams continued to deliver impressive performances, but the deadlock remained intact.

Peterson kept Chiefs in the game with a series of fine saves, while Zamalek’s defence stayed compact and ensured that Amakhosi were denied clear shots on target, as the first half ended 0-0.

Zamalek came out stronger in the second half, dominating the opening 15 minutes and creating several clear scoring opportunities.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 53rd minute when Alvina rose highest inside the six-yard box to head home a cross from Nasser Elsayed.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute through El Said, who found himself unmarked inside the area and calmly finished with a right-footed strike.

Amakhosi responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Lilepo pulled one back with a well-taken header from a corner delivered by Lebohang Maboe, making it 2–1 and setting up a tense finish.

Amakhosi pushed hard in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but they were unable to find the back of the net as the match ended 2-1 in favour of Zamalek.

Following their Confederation Cup exit, Amakhosi are now left with only one realistic shot at silverware this season – the Betway Premiership – having already been eliminated from the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.

They are currently occupying third place in the league with 30 points from 15 matches.