Kaizer Chiefs face uphill battle after Red Arrows defeat as Orlando Pirates claim away win

Kaizer Chiefs must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows in Johannesburg next week after their ambitions of reaching the Confederation Cup group stages suffered a setback in Zambia.

Alassane Diarra scored the only goal after 76 minutes at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, punishing Chiefs after they failed to clear a corner. The result leaves Amakhosi needing a significantly improved display in the second leg.

Fernando da Cruz’s side struggled to control the match in Ndola and created too few opportunities. Their defensive problems from set-pieces were exposed again, an issue that will concern the Chiefs coach.

Da Cruz selected Ricardo Learner, Thabiso Monyane, Thabo Moloisane, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Tshabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi and Luke Baartman in his starting line-up.

Monyane was forced off after 30 minutes with an injury and was replaced by Thulani Mabaso. His availability for the return match remains uncertain.

With Chiefs needing goals in the second half, Da Cruz turned to more attacking options. Flavio da Silva, Etiosa Ighodaro and Wandile Duba were introduced, while Baartman, Vilakazi and Shabalala made way.

Failure to reach the group stages would represent a major blow to Chiefs’ aim of remaining involved in continental football. The standard of the Confederation Cup has improved considerably in recent years, with several group-stage and knockout-stage teams also reaching the latter stages of the Champions League.

Those opponents offer strong competition and valuable experience for players such as Bradley Cross, Tshabalala, Vilakazi, Baartman, Langelihle Phili, Asanele Velebayi, Faiz Abrahams, Wandile Duba and Ighodaro.

Pirates take control

Orlando Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over African Stars of Namibia in their Champions League qualifying tie at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

Tshepang Moremi, one of the Buccaneers’ leading performers across all competitions this season, scored the decisive goal after 75 minutes.

His form is expected to earn Moremi a place in the squad Pitso Mosimane selects for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Kenya next month.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made limited changes to the team that defeated TS Galaxy in the league during the week. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Bulelani Sigomoshe, Simphiwe Selepe and Gamphani Lungu retained their places.

Nkosikhona Ndaba, Thalente Mbatha and Yanela Mbuthuma were recalled to the starting line-up, adding a different dimension to Pirates’ defensive and attacking structure.

Ouaddou later brought on Sbangani Zulu, Evidence Makgopa, Mpho Padime and Mthetheli Mthiyane for Sibisi, Mbuthuma, Moremi and Selepe.

The victory puts Pirates in a strong position to reach the group stages, where Ouaddou and his young squad would face a tougher test. He will look to experienced players including Chaine, Sibisi, Deon Hotto, Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Moremi, Mohau Nkota and Makgopa to lead the challenge.

Qualification would also benefit Mosimane, with emerging players such as Seema and Mbuthuma gaining valuable continental experience.