CAF Confederation Cup: Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe celebrates historic win over Kaizer Chiefs

Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe has hailed his players after they eliminated South African giants Kaizer Chiefs on penalties to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time.

The Zambian side advanced after holding Chiefs to a 1-0 aggregate draw across the two legs before winning the penalty shootout in Durban on Friday night.

Red Arrows carried a slender advantage into the return fixture after winning the first leg 1-0 in Ndola, leaving Chiefs needing a strong performance to secure qualification for the group stage for a second consecutive season.

Chiefs increased the pressure after the break and were rewarded when Bradley Cross scored with a header to level the tie on aggregate.

However, the South African side could not find the decisive second goal, with Red Arrows holding firm to force the contest into a penalty shootout, where they emerged victorious.

Speaking to SABC Sport after the match, Mbewe praised his players for their discipline and resilience against a determined Chiefs side.

“Thank you so much. Firstly, we give the glory to God for this result. Coming into the game, we knew it was not going to be easy. We knew that Kaizer Chiefs would come at us, and I think we started very well,” he said.

Mbewe explained that his team managed the game effectively in the first half but faced greater pressure after Chiefs made changes at the interval.

“I think in the first half, we managed them and stood firm. In the second half, they made a couple of changes, lifted the tempo and managed to score their goal.

“Again, we also made some changes and brought in some fresh legs. We started playing, and it went into penalties. Penalties can go either way, but we thank God that it went our way, and I give credit to the boys,” he added.

The Red Arrows coach admitted that his side adopted a cautious approach because they were playing away from home.

He acknowledged that Chiefs enjoyed greater possession after the break but said his substitutions helped the Zambian team regain control and see out the contest.

“We knew we were away, so we were a bit cautious. In the second half, we allowed Kaizer Chiefs to dominate possession most of the time, and that even gave them the lead.

“Again, we made changes, brought in fresh blood and contained the game until it went into penalties,” Mbewe said.

A historic achievement for Zambia

The qualification represents a major milestone for Red Arrows and a significant moment for Zambian football, with the club set to make its first appearance in the Confederation Cup group stage.

Mbewe described the achievement as a gift to the country and a source of motivation for the club as Zambia prepared to mark its Independence Day celebrations.

“This means a lot. It is not only for Red Arrows; this is for Zambia. Tomorrow, Zambia will be celebrating Independence Day, so we came here to give the 21 million Zambians this wonderful present,” he said.

“I think for the club as well, it is a great motivation. It is the first time we have qualified for the group stage, and I think it means a lot to the club and the people of Zambia.”

The result marks a significant breakthrough for the Airmen, who have overcome one of South Africa’s most recognisable clubs to secure a place among the Confederation Cup’s group-stage contenders.