Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe has expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating South African side Kaizer Chiefs.

The Zambian club secured an important victory against the Soweto giants, giving them renewed confidence ahead of the return leg. Mbewe believes his players have the quality, determination and discipline needed to complete the job and advance to the next stage of the continental competition.

Speaking after the match, the Red Arrows coach made it clear that his team was determined to secure qualification rather than allow the opportunity to slip away.

“I can assure you that Red Arrows will qualify for the group stages,” Mbewe declared, underlining his confidence in the squad's ability to progress.

The statement is likely to attract attention from Kaizer Chiefs supporters, who will be hoping their team can respond positively in the return fixture. The defeat has placed additional pressure on the South African club, which must now find a way to overcome the challenge posed by the Zambian outfit.

For Red Arrows, beating a club with the history and reputation of Kaizer Chiefs represents an important achievement. The result has strengthened belief within the squad and provided an opportunity to build momentum in their continental campaign.

Mbewe will now expect his players to maintain their discipline and intensity when the two teams meet again. Although the victory has boosted morale, the coach understands that qualification will depend on another strong performance, particularly in defence and in front of goal.

Red Arrows must also avoid complacency, as Kaizer Chiefs have the experience and quality to make the return encounter difficult. The Soweto-based side will be eager to recover from the setback and keep its hopes of progressing in the competition alive.

For Chiefs, the priority will be to improve their performance, create more scoring opportunities and minimise defensive mistakes. Their response in the return leg could determine whether they remain in the CAF Confederation Cup or see their continental campaign come to an early end.

Meanwhile, Mbewe's confidence reflects Red Arrows' ambition to establish themselves as serious contenders in African football. Reaching the group stages would represent a significant milestone for the club and provide valuable exposure against other teams across the continent.

The message from the Red Arrows camp is clear: Mbewe believes his players can secure qualification, but they must demonstrate that confidence on the pitch when they face Kaizer Chiefs again.

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