Kaizer Chiefs eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup after Red Arrows win on penalties

Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup after Red Arrows won 3-2 on penalties in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

Bradley Cross’ second-half header cancelled out Red Arrows’ first-leg advantage, but the Zambian side held their nerve in the shootout to secure a place in the next round.

Amakhosi began the match 1-0 down on aggregate after losing the first leg away in Ndola, Zambia, the previous week. Fernando Da Cruz’s side started with clear attacking intent, pushing forward whenever they regained possession as they looked for an early equaliser.

That approach also created space for Red Arrows to exploit on the counter-attack. The visitors threatened on several occasions after winning back the ball, although their promising moves did not produce a decisive finish.

Chiefs came close to levelling the tie in the 11th minute when Thulani Mabaso found an opportunity inside the area. His effort, however, was kept out by Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba, who made an important save.

The hosts continued to press but struggled to break through a disciplined Red Arrows defence. The Zambian side were also willing to attack rather than simply defend their lead, ensuring Chiefs could not commit every player forward without risk.

Despite a number of attacking advances from the Soweto club, neither team managed to score before the interval and the sides went into half-time level at 0-0.

Chiefs resumed with greater urgency after the break, while Red Arrows found it increasingly difficult to create meaningful opportunities in the final third.

The home side repeatedly reached dangerous areas but could not turn their territorial advantage into a goal. Pule Mmodi went close in the 62nd minute with a quick shot, but Kalumba again intervened to deny him.

Four minutes later, Chiefs finally found the breakthrough. Cross rose to head the ball into the net, bringing the aggregate score level and giving Amakhosi the momentum they had been seeking.

Chiefs were presented with a chance to win the tie in the closing stages, but Shabalala was unable to convert two clear opportunities to score the decisive goal.

With the match still level after the final whistle, the outcome was settled by a penalty shootout. Red Arrows prevailed 3-2, ending Chiefs’ campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.