Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe has expressed strong confidence in his team’s chances of qualifying for the next stage of the competition ahead of their decisive second-leg encounter against Kaizer Chiefs on Friday.

The Zambian side travels to South Africa with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Ndola, putting them in a promising position ahead of the return fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Mbewe believes Red Arrows have what it takes to complete the job against the South African giants, insisting that his team is well prepared for the challenge. The coach has also backed his confidence with a bold assessment of their chances of progressing to the group stage.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Mbewe made it clear that his side is determined to protect its advantage and secure qualification.

“I can assure you that this time around, Red Arrows is qualifying for the group stage. On a scale of one to ten? I would say eight out of ten,” he said.

His comments underline the confidence within the Red Arrows camp as the team prepares for what promises to be a difficult encounter against a Kaizer Chiefs side that will be eager to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Despite winning the opening match 1-0, Mbewe believes his players could have secured a more comfortable advantage. According to the coach, Red Arrows had opportunities to score more goals but failed to convert their chances.

That experience has influenced the team’s preparations for Friday’s match, with Mbewe focusing on defensive organisation, compactness and improved finishing in front of goal.

The coach expects Kaizer Chiefs to come out aggressively in search of an equaliser and believes his players must remain disciplined throughout the encounter.

“We know that Kaizer Chiefs will throw all their ammunition that they have just to try and find a goal. We need to utilise the chances and ensure that we don’t allow them to score,” Mbewe added.

For Red Arrows, the objective will be to frustrate the hosts while taking advantage of any opportunities that emerge on the counterattack. Scoring an additional goal could also place greater pressure on Chiefs, who must find a way to overcome the Zambian side’s first-leg advantage.

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, face a difficult task as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive. A two-goal victory would put them in a position to overturn the deficit, while a 1-0 win would take the tie to a penalty shootout. Red Arrows scoring would increase the pressure on the hosts, depending on the competition’s applicable tie-break rules.

The second leg is scheduled for Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off set for 18:00.

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