Kaizer Chiefs beaten by Red Arrows in CAF Confederation Cup first leg

Kaizer Chiefs face a difficult task in the CAF Confederation Cup after a 1–0 defeat by Zambia’s Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie.

A 76th-minute goal from a corner at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola gave the hosts a narrow advantage, leaving Amakhosi needing a victory in the return match to reach the group stages.

Chiefs had been aiming for a strong start to their continental campaign after receiving a bye in the first preliminary round. However, they could not maintain their resistance through the final stages and were punished by a set-piece delivery.

The loss extends an unsettled week for the Soweto club. Chiefs were held to a 1–1 draw by Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership in midweek, and they now have to recover quickly before the second meeting with Red Arrows.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi made one change to the side that started against Stellenbosch FC, bringing Luke Baartman into the attack in place of Wandile Duba.

Chiefs were again forced to manage a shortage of fit midfielders, with Reeve Frosler deployed in the centre alongside Sibongiseni Mthethwa for the trip to Zambia.

For long periods, the visitors appeared to have restricted Red Arrows effectively and looked set to keep the tie level. Their defensive work was undone when the Zambian side made a corner count in the 76th minute.

The late goal leaves Chiefs with little margin for error in the second leg. They must overturn the one-goal deficit when the teams meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 23 October.

A place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages remains within reach because of the narrow scoreline, but Chiefs will need to be more effective in attack while also avoiding the defensive lapse that decided the opening game.

The result means the South African side must now produce a response at home, with Red Arrows carrying a slender lead into the return fixture.