Kaizer Chiefs revive CAF Confederation Cup hopes with hard-fought win in Zambia

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Kaizer Chiefs revive CAF Confederation Cup hopes with hard-fought win in Zambia

Kaizer Chiefs secured their first win in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zambian giants ZESCO United in Ndola on Sunday.

Chiefs had a dream start as it took them just two minutes to break the deadlock through a poacher’s goal from Pule Mmodi.

The Glamour Boys went on a quick attack in the second minute of the game with a shot parried away by the goalkeeper for a corner.

Khanyisa Mayo of Kaizer Chiefs in action against ZESCO United. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

From the resultant corner, ZESCO failed to deal with the ball which fell to an unmarked Flavio Silva at the back post and the striker headed towards goal only to see his effort hit the woodwork.

How did Chiefs score the loan goal?

However, the ball fell kindly to Mmodi who pounced on it to tap home from close range.

After the goal, Chiefs stayed resolute at the back with neither side threatening with the first half ending 1-0 in favour of the Soweto giants.

The opening 45 minutes was marked by a physical approach from the nine-time Zambian champions whose flying tackles annoyed Chiefs players.

ZESCO’s best chance came in the 56th minute when striker Hiver Amine weaved his way past his markers before unleashing a ferocious shot that went inches wide.

Thabiso Monyane of Kaizer Chiefs during their match against ZESCO United. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

Amakhosi survive late pressure

Late in the game, Chiefs nearly conceded when a speculative shot was floated into the box and behind the defence while goalkeeper Brandon Petersen had to pull off a great save in stoppage time to thwart Emmanuel Manda who had gone one-on-one with him.

It was the first time a South African team had beaten ZESCO at their backyard with Chiefs winning their first group stage game which has taken their tally to four points from three matches.

Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu of Kaizer Chiefs in action against ZESCO United. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs are now third in Group D with four points, same as Zamalek, who have a superior goal difference, and two behind Al Masry with ZESCO without a point.

With the two Egyptian sides playing each other later on Sunday, Chiefs will be hoping that they can play out a draw so that they do not move further away.

<!-- 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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