Kaizer Chiefs eliminated from Caf Confederation Cup by Red Arrows on penalties

Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the Caf Confederation Cup after Red Arrows of Zambia won 3-2 on penalties in their final play-off round match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday.

Amakhosi had been hoping to reach the group stages for a second successive season after progressing to that stage in the previous campaign. They had also taken a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Ndola last Saturday, but three missed penalties ultimately ended their run.

Lebohang Maboe, Reeve Frosler and Ethan Chislett all failed to convert from the spot as Fernando da Cruz’s side lost the shootout.

Chiefs struggled to create opportunities during a subdued first half, with no clear-cut chances produced by either side. Their attacking threat improved after Mfundo Vilakazi was introduced following the interval, and they eventually drew level when Bradley Cross headed in from Vilakazi’s free-kick.

That goal cancelled out the solitary strike scored by Red Arrows in the first leg, but Chiefs were unable to find a winning goal in normal time. Striker Mduduzi Shabalala also missed two important opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.

The result adds to the pressure on Da Cruz, who must now prepare Chiefs for two important domestic fixtures in the coming week.

Amakhosi will host TS Galaxy in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday before meeting Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on October 31.