Kaizer Chiefs knocked out as Fernando da Cruz says defeat came before shoot-out

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz said his side’s CAF Confederation Cup elimination by Red Arrows was effectively decided before the penalty shoot-out, after missed chances left them vulnerable in the second preliminary round.

Chiefs won the second leg 1-0 to level the tie at 1-1 on aggregate, but Red Arrows advanced after three Chiefs players failed to convert their penalties.

Da Cruz felt his team had created enough opportunities to settle the contest during normal time, but was disappointed by their finishing.

“We dominated the whole game and created a lot of chances. We lost this game on penalties, but I think we had already lost it before then because we missed too many chances and scored only one goal,” Da Cruz told SABC Sport.

“Normally, we should win this game 3-0 or 4-0.”

The Chiefs manager nevertheless praised his players’ overall performance and rejected the suggestion that confidence had been a problem.

“No, the team played with confidence and with a lot of personality, with the ball and without the ball,” Da Cruz said.

“So, with what we showed today, it is not an issue of confidence.”

Chiefs turn attention to Carling Knockout

The early CAF Confederation Cup exit leaves Chiefs with little time to reflect, as they prepare to face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday night.

Da Cruz said the squad had already begun organising for the next fixture and would soon return to Johannesburg before starting preparations for the cup tie.

“For sure, on Tuesday we have a game in the Carling Cup,” he said. “Today we assembled the team, tomorrow we leave for Johannesburg and then, from Sunday, we prepare for the Carling Knockout to qualify for the next round.”