Kaizer Chiefs suffered a setback in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign after losing 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary-round encounter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The narrow defeat leaves the Soweto-based club needing a strong response in the return fixture to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive.

Red Arrows took advantage of playing on home soil to secure an important victory, giving the Zambian side an edge heading into the decisive second leg. The result also puts additional pressure on Chiefs as they seek to avoid an early exit from the continental competition.

Despite the loss, Amakhosi remain in contention, with the small margin leaving the tie open. However, they will need to improve their attacking performance and create more clear-cut scoring opportunities when the teams meet again.

Chiefs’ technical team will be expected to analyse the first-leg performance, address the shortcomings and prepare the players for what could be a demanding encounter.

For Red Arrows, the focus will be on maintaining their advantage and remaining defensively organised as they travel to South Africa. The Zambian outfit will be aware that their lead offers no guarantee of qualification.

Chiefs, meanwhile, will need to approach the return leg with greater urgency, tactical discipline and determination. Their ability to convert chances could prove decisive in determining whether they continue their continental journey.

The upcoming fixture is therefore crucial for Amakhosi, who must deliver a convincing performance if they are to overturn the deficit and progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Although the defeat has complicated their qualification hopes, Chiefs still have an opportunity to change the outcome of the tie in the return leg.

https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2111477394200531430