Amakhosi secured a 1-0 victory in the second leg, thanks to a second-half header from Bradley Cross, which brought the aggregate score to 1-1 before they faltered during the penalty shootout.

Having trailed 1-0 from the first leg in Ndola, Chiefs faced immense pressure entering the match. Being eliminated would mean missing out on CAF continental football completely this season. Defender Inacio Miguel had boldly declared before the match that Chiefs needed to win to advance to the group stage.

The atmosphere in the Amakhosi camp was tense, as they headed into the do-or-die match on a four-game winless streak in all competitions, with their last win occurring against Siwelele back in September. With a Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 match against TS Galaxy on Tuesday and an upcoming Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates next weekend, Chiefs were in desperate need of a spark to revitalize their season.

In a surprising lineup choice, Thulani Mabaso received a rare start in midfield. The decision almost paid off in the 11th minute when Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi teamed up to set up Mabaso, but Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba made a crucial save.

Throughout the first half, Chiefs found it challenging to break down a stubborn Zambian side intent on defending their aggregate lead. Frosler created a chance with a cross on the right for an unmarked Mmodi, but the winger’s header went straight at Kalumba when there was ample opportunity to control and finish. It was a missed chance.

As the attack stagnated, head coach Fernando da Cruz opted to bring on young attacker Mfundo Vilakazi in the 58th minute to boost the offensive efforts.

The substitution proved to be a masterstroke. Just eight minutes later, Vilakazi delivered a perfectly placed free-kick, allowing defender Bradley Cross to head the ball past Kalumba and level the aggregate score at 1-1.

Desiring more control and physicality in midfield, Da Cruz sent on Lebohang Maboe.

Vilakazi continued to cause trouble for the Red Arrows defense. He broke free down the wing and cut inside to provide a setup for Shabalala, whose shot went disappointingly wide of the goal.

In the 84th minute, Ethan Chislett intercepted a stray pass and delivered a precise through-ball to Shabalala, who found himself one-on-one with Kalumba. The goalkeeper made an outstanding save, prompting Da Cruz to look to the sky in disbelief. Moments later, Chislett set up Asanele Velebayi with a low pass, but the winger shot over the bar, much to the frustration of the Durban crowd.

After failing to capitalize on the late chances, the tie stood at 1-1 on aggregate, leading to a penalty shootout.

Unfortunately for Amakhosi, their poor penalty execution ultimately sealed their fate, resulting in their continental exit and increasing the pressure on struggling coach Fernando da Cruz.