Kaizer Chiefs beaten by Red Arrows as CAF Confederation Cup tie goes to return leg

Kaizer Chiefs must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows FC in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup after Alassane Diarra’s late goal secured victory for the Zambian side at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.

AmaKhosi travelled to Zambia hoping to take a significant step towards the group stages as they continue their bid to re-establish themselves in continental football. However, they left empty-handed after Red Arrows made their pressure count in the closing stages.

Chiefs were forced into an early change when defender Thabiso Monyane suffered an injury during the opening 30 minutes. He was taken from the pitch on a stretcher and replaced by Thulani Mabaso.

The disruption allowed the home side to build momentum, with Red Arrows launching a series of attacks. Despite their territorial advantage, the hosts initially struggled to create clear chances.

Ackim Mumba came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval, combining with Angel Lubamba in the 44th minute. Chiefs managed to withstand the danger, and the two teams went into half-time level at 0-0.

Red Arrows continued to control much of the match after the restart, with the home crowd urging them forward in search of an opening goal.

Chiefs looked to Mduduzi Shabalala and Luke Baartman for an attacking spark, but the pair found it difficult to break through the Zambian defence. Their first notable effort arrived in the 53rd minute, although Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba dealt with the threat.

Mumba remained central to the hosts’ attacking play. In the 62nd minute, he combined with Lazarous Chishimba before receiving the ball back and sending a cross towards Lubamba. The forward’s effort from inside the box, however, went wide.

Red Arrows finally found the breakthrough 14 minutes later. Mumba delivered a corner into the area and Diarra connected with it to beat the Chiefs defence and put the hosts 1-0 ahead.

The goal increased Red Arrows’ confidence and they pushed for a second, creating further opportunities as Chiefs struggled to respond. The Zambian side could not convert those chances, though, leaving the tie finely poised.

Kaizer Chiefs were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle and will now need a victory in the return fixture next week to keep their hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stages alive.