Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has rejected suggestions that taking Mfundo Vilakazi off the pitch contributed to his team’s defeat against Red Arrows, insisting that fatigue and a need for fresh players informed the decision.

Chiefs suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to the Zambian side in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday afternoon. The only goal came in the 77th minute through Alassane Diarra, leaving the South African club needing a strong response in the return fixture.

Vilakazi, 20, had been substituted six minutes before Red Arrows scored. The timing prompted questions about whether the change had affected Chiefs’ defensive organisation, but Da Cruz argued that the goal came from a corner rather than directly from the substitution.

“Mfundo Vilakazi was tired, so we wanted a fresh player,” the coach explained after the match.

Da Cruz pushed back against the suggestion that the change should be treated as the decisive moment in the defeat. He said several players were showing signs of fatigue and that introducing fresh legs was part of the team’s effort to remain competitive during the match.

“It’s not after the substitution of Vilakazi that our team conceded a goal. It’s just one corner,” he said, adding that Chiefs attempted to create further chances after falling behind but found it difficult to break through.

His comments shifted attention towards the overall performance rather than one substitution. While the timing of Diarra’s goal gave the debate added significance, Da Cruz identified the team’s inability to convert attacking opportunities as a more pressing concern.

“We lacked efficiency,” he admitted.

The coach said Chiefs would need to be more forceful when attacking in the second leg if they hoped to overturn the deficit. With the return match scheduled to take place on their home ground, the team will have an opportunity to recover, but it must produce a more effective performance in front of goal.

Red Arrows, meanwhile, secured an important advantage from a match decided by a single goal. Diarra’s header from a corner proved enough to separate the teams, putting pressure on Chiefs to find a response.

Da Cruz remained confident that hard work could help change the outcome of the tie. He urged his players to focus on improving their attacking efficiency rather than becoming distracted by criticism of the substitution.

“We must work hard and [results] will turn in our favour,” he said.

For Chiefs, the challenge is now clear: improve their attacking threat in the return leg and prevent another costly moment from determining their continental campaign.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2111744437927674340?s=46