Nhlapo says panic cost Kaizer Chiefs in Confederation Cup exit

Kaizer Chiefs legend Zebulon Nhlapo believes panic and a lack of confidence prevented Mduduzi Shabalala and Asanele Velebayi from taking decisive chances in the CAF Confederation Cup defeat by Red Arrows.

Kaizer Chiefs beat the Zambian side 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, drawing the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate. But three clear opportunities in the closing stages of the second half went begging, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

Fernando da Cruz’s side lost the shootout 3-2 and failed to reach the Confederation Cup group stage.

Shabalala came closest to putting the tie beyond doubt in the 79th minute. Vilakazi broke through the Red Arrows defence and delivered the ball across the face of goal, leaving Shabalala with an open net after the goalkeeper had moved out of position. However, the attacker leaned back as he struck the ball and sent it over the crossbar.

Substitute Ethan Chislett then created another opening a few minutes later, putting Shabalala through one-on-one with goalkeeper Charles Kalumba. With time to select a corner, Shabalala instead hit his effort straight at the goalkeeper.

There was still an opportunity to settle the contest in normal time. In the 86th minute, Chislett found fellow substitute Velebayi inside the penalty area. Unmarked and under no immediate pressure, Velebayi fired his shot high into the stands.

Nhlapo said the pair should be supported as they develop, rather than singled out for the outcome.

“The players will gain experience. What let them down on Friday was panic. They do not have much confidence at the moment. The supporters should give them a chance and allow them to make mistakes,” Nhlapo told KickOff.

He also said the atmosphere around the club may have affected the players’ decision-making, while describing the penalty shootout as a lottery.

“Football is difficult when you lose the support of your own supporters. You can end up overthinking. Penalties are like a lottery, so it is not too bad. You cannot blame someone for missing a penalty because it is not intentional. It was not our day.

“Given the chances we wasted, we should have finished the match in 90 minutes. In football, you may get only one opportunity to score, so you have to take your chances. Let us encourage the players to correct their mistakes in their next match, especially with the Soweto Derby approaching. They rushed their shots once they entered the box. They need to take their time and pick a spot.

“They lack confidence,” he added.