Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup have ended after the South African side lost 3-2 on penalties to Zambia’s Red Arrows following a 1-1 aggregate draw.

The result means Red Arrows advance to the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, while Chiefs are left to reflect on a disappointing end to their continental campaign.

The two-legged tie remained level on aggregate, leaving the teams to settle the contest through a penalty shootout. Red Arrows held their nerve to win 3-2 from the spot, securing qualification at the expense of the Soweto giants.

For Chiefs and their supporters, the defeat will be particularly painful given the importance of continental competition to the club. The team had been seeking to progress further in Africa, but the shootout proved decisive after neither side could establish an aggregate advantage over the two matches.

Red Arrows, meanwhile, can celebrate reaching the group stage, where they will have an opportunity to test themselves against other clubs from across the continent. Their penalty victory provides a significant boost as they prepare for the next phase of the competition.

The Confederation Cup is one of the CAF’s two major club competitions, alongside the Champions League. Reaching the group stage gives clubs greater exposure and the chance to compete for continental honours, while also presenting demanding fixtures against opponents from different leagues.

Chiefs’ elimination means their focus will now return to their remaining domestic commitments. The club and its technical team will need to assess the performance across the tie and identify areas requiring improvement as the season continues.

For Red Arrows, the immediate task will be to prepare for the group-stage draw and the challenges that come with competing at that level. Their victory over Chiefs ensures they remain in the hunt for continental success in the 2026/27 campaign.

The final scoreline leaves Amakhosi fans disappointed, while Red Arrows move forward after a closely contested tie decided by the narrowest of margins.

Source: https://x.com/mickyjnr__/status/2113694539886334049?s=46