Kaizer Chiefs head into a decisive Confederation Cup clash against Al Masry knowing that victory is essential to keep their continental ambitions alive, with the South African side encouraged by what their coaching staff believe is a key weakness in the Egyptian team.
Sunday’s Group D encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium places the “Phefeni Glamour Boys” under intense pressure.
With two matches remaining in the group phase, Chiefs sit third on seven points, level with Al Masry, who occupy second place.
Only a win will significantly strengthen Chiefs’ chances of reaching the knockout stages of the competition, a milestone they last achieved during their run to the CAF Champions League final in the 2020-21 season.
Despite losing the first leg 2-1 in Egypt, the Chiefs camp insists the tie remains finely balanced.
Co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, speaking to Sportswire, rejected the idea that his side were outplayed in the reverse fixture, describing the contest as evenly matched and suggesting the result was shaped by costly defensive errors rather than overall dominance.
The coaching staff’s confidence ahead of the return match has been further boosted by developments within the Al Masry squad.
Ben Youssef has identified the absence of several influential players as a significant factor that could tilt the balance in Chiefs’ favour.
“On Sunday, I think they’ll be missing two or three key players,” he said, highlighting what he views as a disruptive element within the Egyptian side’s preparations for the trip to Polokwane.
This assessment has guided Chiefs’ tactical planning throughout the week, with the technical team closely studying Al Masry’s structure to exploit any weaknesses created by those absences.
The aim, according to the staff, is to impose intensity at the right moments while maintaining control against an opponent renowned for its experience in African competition.
Managing the rhythm of the match will be crucial, Ben Youssef added.
Chiefs must strike a balance between urgency and patience, aware that panic could play into the hands of a seasoned Al Masry side.
Match Day!
🏆#TotalEnergiesCAFCC
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs vs. Al Masry SC
👕First Team
🗓️Sunday 08 February 2026
🏟Peter Mokaba Stadium
🕞15h00 SAST
🎟R80: Shoprite, Computicket: https://t.co/NRVgSP3t0D
📺SABC 1 & SuperSport 209
📢Please come early#KCOneAfrica #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/8xsydSanAM— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 8, 2026
However, there is no ambiguity about the objective: three points are non-negotiable.
The broader group context adds further weight to Sunday’s encounter.
Chiefs still have a daunting final-day trip to Egypt to face Zamalek, while group leaders are set to meet an already eliminated ZESCO United this weekend.
That reality leaves Chiefs with little margin for error, but also with a clear opportunity.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the message is simple.
The chance to revive their continental campaign is still within reach, provided they can turn careful preparation and belief into a decisive performance on home soil.
