Kaizer Chiefs face Red Arrows fightback after first-leg defeat, says Fernando da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes his side can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows after admitting the playing surface and a lack of aggression contributed to their CAF Confederation Cup defeat in Zambia.

The Soweto club were beaten by the Zambian outfit at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie.

Chiefs struggled to impose themselves before half-time, with Da Cruz critical of the intensity shown by his players during the opening 45 minutes.

“We played a tough first half with no aggression. We were not there inside the dual,” the French tactician told the media after the match.

He said the team improved after the interval, although they were unable to create enough clear opportunities to find an equaliser.

“In the second half, it was better. We didn’t create a lot of chances, but we made a better second half,” Da Cruz added.

The condition of the pitch was another difficulty for Chiefs, according to their coach. He said the surface did not suit the style of football his team wanted to play, but praised the players for adapting to the circumstances.

“About the field, it was not a field for our advantage. It was not a very good field for us to develop our model game,” said Da Cruz.

“But we must adapt, we must play with the conditions and the players adapted very well to the conditions.”

Red Arrows’ only goal came from a corner, leaving Chiefs needing to win the return fixture to keep their CAF Confederation Cup campaign alive.

Da Cruz remains confident that his side can produce the required result when the teams meet again at home next weekend.

“We conceded one goal on set pieces, on corner. But until now, we are focused on the second leg and our game at home because we know that we are able to win this second leg,” he said.