Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup following a 3-2 defeat in a penalty shootout against Red Arrows during the second leg of the second preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

Needing to overcome a 1-0 aggregate deficit from the first leg in Ndola, Zambia, Amakhosi managed to equalize the tie with a goal from Bradley Cross. However, they missed several chances throughout the match and ultimately lost in the shootout, ending their journey in the tournament.

Chiefs began the match aggressively, aiming to score early and pressure the opposing team. They pushed forward whenever they gained possession, looking for an opportunity to level the aggregate score.

Nevertheless, their offensive strategy left them vulnerable to counter-attacks from Red Arrows, who posed a threat but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.

In the 11th minute, Chiefs nearly took the lead when Thulani Mabaso had a chance inside the box. However, Red Arrows' goalkeeper Charles Kalumba made a crucial save to keep his team in the game.

Despite continued efforts by Fernando Da Cruz’s squad to find a goal, they encountered difficulties breaking down the visitors’ solid defense. As a result, the first half ended without any goals.

Chiefs returned for the second half intent on changing their fortunes. They maintained pressure in the attacking zone but found it hard to translate this into goals.

Pule Mmodi almost scored in the 62nd minute with a quick shot, but Kalumba was again ready to make the save. Just four minutes later, Cross finally provided Chiefs with the goal they needed, heading in to level the aggregate score at 1-1.

Amakhosi fought hard for a second goal in the final moments, with Shabalala missing two chances that could have secured the win, leaving the outcome to be determined by a penalty shootout.

Red Arrows kept their composure to win the shootout 3-2, eliminating Chiefs from the tournament.

In light of the defeat, Chiefs’ football manager Bobby Motaung has reportedly expressed support for head coach Fernando Da Cruz, insisting he will not be dismissed. Motaung noted that even top teams like Mamelodi Sundowns have faced elimination despite significant investments in players, emphasizing that winning and losing are part of football. This stance will likely offer Da Cruz some reassurance as the team shifts its focus to domestic competitions, although the loss will still be disappointing for the club and its fans, who had hoped for success on the continental stage.

Source: IDiskiTimes