Kaizer Chiefs bow out of CAF Confederation Cup after penalty shootout defeat

Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stages ended with a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat by Red Arrows of Zambia at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday.

Amakhosi had been seeking to replicate last season’s run, when they progressed to the group stage, but three missed penalties proved decisive in the final play-off round.

Lebohang Maboe, Reeve Frosler and Ethan Chislett all failed to convert from the spot as Fernando da Cruz’s side were eliminated despite winning the first leg 1-0 in Ndola last Saturday.

Chiefs had struggled to threaten in a flat opening 45 minutes, creating no clear-cut opportunities. Their prospects improved after Mfundo Vilakazi was introduced in the second half, and they eventually levelled the tie when Bradley Cross headed in from Vilakazi’s free-kick.

However, Chiefs were unable to complete the comeback. Striker Mduduzi Shabalala missed two important chances, further damaging the home side’s hopes of winning the match before the contest was decided by penalties.

The result increases the pressure on Da Cruz, who now faces two important domestic fixtures with Chiefs over the next week.

The Frenchman must first prepare Amakhosi for their Carling Knockout Cup last-16 match against TS Galaxy at home on Tuesday.

Chiefs will then meet Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on October 31.