Chiefs Stumble in Angola as Kabuscorp Claim Narrow Victory

Kaizer Chiefs started their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a frustrating 1-0 loss to Angolan side Kabuscorp in their preliminary round first-leg match on Saturday. The defeat marks the first time Chiefs have lost to an Angolan opponent.

Coming off a midweek loss to Sekhukhune United, Chiefs coach made three changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Zitha Kwinika, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Thabo Cele for Reeve Frosler, Gaston Sirino, and Siphesihle Ndlovu.

Chiefs began the match with a strong offensive push. They created a golden opportunity just 11 minutes in when forward Glody Lilepo was sent through on goal, but his shot went wide, missing a chance to put the visitors ahead.

The Soweto giants maintained control throughout the first half, dominating possession and using Lilepo's pace on the right wing to threaten the Kabuscorp defense. 

Despite their control, the Angolans almost scored against the run of play just before halftime, but a superb save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen kept the score level.

KABUSCORP RETURNING WITH MORE CONFIDENCE 

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Kabuscorp came out with renewed energy. They were rewarded in the 59th minute when substitute Julio rose above defender Aden McCarthy and headed the ball into the far corner of the net for the only goal of the game.

In an attempt to find an equalizer, Chiefs made a double substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Gaston Sirino and Wandile Duba for Pule Mmodi and Flavio Da Silva.

90 + 4’| 🟥#KAB 1 : 0 #CHI

Full time score: (Julio 61’) Kabuscorp SCP 1 : 0 Kaizer Chiefs#Amakhosi4Life #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #KCOneAfrica pic.twitter.com/XS3085RtY7

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 20, 2025

The changes almost paid off five minutes later when Thabo Cele unleashed a powerful volley from outside the box that beat the keeper but unfortunately struck the post. 

As the clock wound down, Chiefs' frustration grew. A late chance fell to captain Inacio Miguel Ignacio, whose header went wide of the post in the 82nd minute.

The match ended with a sour note for the home side as Kabuscorp's Jorge received a straight red card for an elbow on Zitha Kwinika in stoppage time. 

Despite being down to ten men, Kabuscorp managed to hold on for the victory, leaving Chiefs with a 1-0 deficit to overcome in the second leg.