Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 3-2 to Red Arrows in a penalty shootout at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, despite winning the second leg 1-0.

The Soweto giants entered the return fixture needing to overturn a one-goal deficit following their 1-0 loss to the Zambian side in Ndola the previous week. Bradley Cross scored the decisive goal during normal time, bringing the aggregate score to 1-1. However, Chiefs failed to complete their comeback during the penalty shootout, allowing Red Arrows to progress to the next round.

Head coach Fernando da Cruz sent his players onto the pitch with an attacking approach as they attempted to secure an early breakthrough. Chiefs pushed forward whenever opportunities arose, although their commitment to attack occasionally left spaces that Red Arrows attempted to exploit through counterattacks.

The hosts nearly took the lead in the 11th minute when Thulani Mabaso attempted to score from inside the penalty area. However, Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba produced an important save to deny him and keep the visitors in contention.

Chiefs continued searching for an opening but struggled to penetrate the opposition's organised defence. Neither team managed to score before the interval, leaving Amakhosi under pressure to improve their attacking effectiveness in the second half.

The home side increased their intensity after the restart, with Pule Mmodi coming close to scoring in the 62nd minute. Kalumba again intervened, saving the attempt and frustrating the Chiefs attackers.

Four minutes later, Cross finally broke the deadlock with a header that levelled the aggregate score and raised hopes of qualification among the home supporters.

Chiefs subsequently had opportunities to settle the contest before the final whistle, but Mduduzi Shabalala failed to convert two promising chances. With neither side able to establish an aggregate advantage, penalties became necessary to determine the winner.

Red Arrows eventually prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, ending Chiefs' continental campaign earlier than expected.

Following the elimination, reports emerged suggesting that Da Cruz had expressed frustration over the club's recruitment strategy and the financial support available for signing players. The reported remarks indicated concerns about his ability to strengthen the squad with his preferred targets. However, these comments have not been independently verified or officially confirmed by Kaizer Chiefs.

The defeat represents another setback for Amakhosi, who must now concentrate on their domestic competitions while addressing concerns surrounding their squad depth, finishing and recruitment plans.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-confederation-cup/chiefs-crash-out-of-caf-confe-cup/