Kaizer Chiefs make light work of Simba to storm into Confederation Cup group stages

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Kaizer Chiefs make light work of Simba to storm into Confederation Cup group stages

Kaizer Chiefs swept into the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after a comprehensive 3-1 win over AS Simba of DR Congo at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Chiefs, who had played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Lubumbashi last week, knew a goal for the visitors in the return match of the second preliminary round would have proved catastrophic, and extinguished that idea as soon as the game started.

The Glamour Boys went ahead after three minutes through new signing Etiosa Ighodaro, the Nigerian striker finding the back of the net after meeting a rebound from Glody Lilepo.

Chiefs were two goals to the good in the 14th minute through a set-piece. Mfundo Vilakazi delivered a beautiful freekick which Zitha Kwinika connected well with from close range to make it 2-0.

Mfundo Vilakazi against AS Simba. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

Another dead ball situation led to the third goal for Chiefs. From a corner this time, Vilakazi floated in a good ball and Lilepo jumped highest to head home to give Chiefs an unassailable lead.

Pule Mmodi missed clear chances

That was after 25 minutes but the Congolese winger would go down injured just before halftime after a stamp on his ankle. Lilepo was stretchered off, just before both teams went for the break, and he would be replaced by Pule Mmodi upon resumption.

Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs during their match against AS Simba. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

Mmodi would have had an immediate impact as in the 57th minute, he missed from close range after weaving past his markers only to fire high with the goalkeeper to beat.

Chiefs then started making changes to give a run to some of their players who have not been getting gametime as Sibongiseni Mthethwa went off after 65 minutes to be replaced by George Matlou although it was Chiefs still bossing proceedings.

Etiosa Ighodaro of Kaizer Chiefs against AS Simba. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

Mmodi would get another opportunity after a great run on the left before firing in a ferocious shot which the Simba goalkeeper punched away 15 minutes from time.

How much have Kaizer Chiefs earned?

However, any hopes of a clean sheet for Chiefs were wiped off when Simba pulled one back. Aden McCarthy directed a wicked cross into his own net in an attempt to keep it out.

Mduduzi Shabala would get an opportunity to make it 4-1 after receiving the ball in the box but he hesitated and ended up hitting a defender instead of finding the target.

Chiefs, however, held on and avoided a nervous end to the game to secure their first win in four matches and most importantly, they have made a return to the group stages of a continental competition for the first time since 2021.

Chiefs are now assured $400,00 (R6.9 million) which comes with Confederation Cup group stage qualification and they will now be waiting for the draw before they begin the competition proper.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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