Kaizer Chiefs extended their winless run to four consecutive games across two competitions after losing 1-0 to Red Arrows in a CAF Confederation Cup second-round, first-leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday. 

On a hot afternoon in Ndola, Malian midfielder Alassane Diarra headed in an Ackim Mumba corner kick in the 76th minute to give Red Arrows a crucial lead they will take to South Africa when they visit Amakhosi for next weekend’s second leg.

That leaves Chiefs staring at the grim prospect of being eliminated from the Confederation Cup and failing to reach the group stage. Amakhosi coach Fernando da Cruz will have more work to do to help his side overturn the slim defeat they suffered in Zambia.

The Frenchman could be feeling the heat, with his men arriving in Ndola after three successive draws in the Betway Premiership, making Saturday’s loss a fourth game without a win.

DA CRUZ MAKES MINOR TWEAK IN CHIEFS’ LINEUP

Da Cruz made just one change to the team that drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC in midweek. The Frenchman dropped Wandile Duba in favour of Luke Baartman to spearhead Amakhosi’s attack. 

Da Cruz’s opposite number, Chisi Mbewe, opted to start, while captain and veteran midfielder Saddam Phiri sat on the bench. Teenage striker and Zambia international Eliya Mandanji started, facing Chiefs’experienced centre-backs Inacio Miguel and Thabo Moloisane.

The home side made its intentions clear as early as three minutes in when Angel Lubamba tried from long range, but his shot went over the bar, not to trouble Renaldo Leaner in goal for Amakhosi.

It appeared Red Arrows had planned to beat Leaner from a distance as Owen Mwamba also attempted from outside the box.

Da Cruz made an early change, withdrawing Thabiso Monyane for Thulani Mabaso on the half-hour mark. Both sides struggled for a breakthrough and went to halftime tied at 0-0.

MORE STRIKERS INTRODUCED, BUT IT DOES NOT WORK FOR CHIEFS

While Red Arrows dominated the first half, Chiefs came back with some threatening forays in the second period. Da Cruz sought more bite upfront by introducing Flavio da Silva for Baartman at the start of the second half. 

The intent to score was clear when the Amakhosi coach also threw Duba and Etiosa Ighodaro into the fray for Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala, respectively. But having more strikers did not work for Chiefs, as the hosts instead broke the deadlock.

Diarra rose high to head in Mumba’s corner kick delivery to decide the contest.