CAF Confederation Cup: How Kaizer Chiefs performed in past meetings against Group D rivals?

Kaizer Chiefs are bracing for a challenging campaign in Group D of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, with daunting trips to Egypt and Zambia to face Zamalek, Al Masry, and Zesco United, three sides with serious pedigree in continental competition.

Zamalek: A Historic Rivalry Rekindled

Chiefs’ most storied encounter in the group dates back 31 years to the 1993 CAF Champions League. In a dramatic two-legged tie, Amakhosi edged Zamalek 2-1 at FNB Stadium, only to be eliminated on away goals after a 1-0 defeat in Cairo.

The aggregate score stood at 2-2, but Zamalek advanced, showcasing the razor-thin margins that have defined their rivalry. Zamalek, five-time African champions and two-time Confederation Cup winners, remain one of the continent’s most formidable opponents.

Zesco United: A Painful Memory

Chiefs’ last meeting with Zesco United came in the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup second round. The Zambians proved too strong, knocking Amakhosi out with a 5-2 aggregate win. That defeat still lingers, and Chiefs will be eager to rewrite the narrative when they return to Zambia.

Al Masry: A New Egyptian Challenge

Al Masry, fourth-place finishers in the Egyptian Premier League last season, represent unfamiliar territory for Chiefs. This will be their first-ever meeting, making Al Masry the fourth Egyptian club to face Amakhosi in continental competition—joining Al Ahly, Ismailia, and Zamalek. Egypt now joins Angola as the only countries from which Chiefs have faced four different clubs in CAF tournaments.

Group Stage Milestones

This marks the first time Chiefs will face Egyptian opposition in the group stages of a CAF competition. Zesco United also becomes just the second southern African team Chiefs will meet in the group phase, following their 2020/21 clash with Angola’s Petro Atletico in the CAF Champions League.

Chiefs’ past meetings vs Group D opponents 

1993 African Cup of Champions Club (Now CAF Champions League) Second Round

• First-Leg: 16 May 1993 – Kaizer Chiefs 2 (Radebe pen, September) Zamalek (EGY) 1

• Second-Leg: 30 May 1993, Zamalek 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0

• Aggregate: 2-2 (Zamalek win on away goals)

CAF Confederation Cup 2018/19

Second Round

• First-Leg, 13 January 2019 – Zesco United (ZAM) 3 (Kambole 25′, Were 31′ pen, 54′) Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Billiat 43’)

• Second Leg, 19 January 2019 – Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Billiat 89’) Zesco United (ZAM) 2 (Akumu 10′, Were 68′)

• Zesco win 5-2 on aggregate