Red Arrows Receive Congratulatory Messages After Eliminating Kaizer Chiefs

Congratulatory messages continue to pour in for Zambian football side Red Arrows following their impressive elimination of South African giants Kaizer Chiefs from the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Zambian outfit secured qualification for the group stage after defeating Amakhosi 3-2 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 23 October 2026. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate after both teams won their respective home matches 1-0, setting up a tense penalty shootout that ultimately favoured the visitors.

The achievement has attracted considerable attention in Zambia, with the team's qualification representing a significant moment for the club and its supporters.

Red Arrows entered the return leg with a narrow advantage after winning the first meeting in Zambia through Alassane Diarra's goal. However, Chiefs responded in Durban, where Bradley Cross scored in the second half to restore parity over the two legs.

Despite creating several opportunities to find a decisive second goal, the Soweto giants were unable to complete their comeback. Red Arrows remained disciplined under pressure before demonstrating greater composure during the penalty shootout.

The result ended Chiefs' hopes of progressing to the Confederation Cup group stage, while Red Arrows celebrated a memorable continental achievement.

Recognition for Red Arrows

Among those celebrating the achievement was Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Musitu Nyoni, who congratulated the team on reaching the group stage and encouraged the players to set their sights even higher.

Nyoni, who also serves as the club's patron, expressed pride in the team's accomplishment. The achievement also received recognition from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, highlighting the wider significance of the qualification for the country.

The reception of the returning players reflected the excitement surrounding their success, with supporters gathering to celebrate the team after its impressive performance on the continental stage.

Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe has also highlighted the importance of the victory, explaining that overcoming a club of Chiefs' stature has given his players a significant confidence boost ahead of the next phase of the competition.

Mbewe emphasised that mental strength played a crucial role in helping his team survive the difficult encounter in Durban. He also believes the experience will help prepare his players for the challenges they will face against other established African clubs.

A Major Setback for Kaizer Chiefs

While Red Arrows continue to enjoy the recognition, Chiefs must now turn their attention towards their domestic commitments after suffering another disappointing result in continental football.

The Soweto giants showed improvement in the return leg, controlling large portions of the match and creating opportunities to secure qualification. However, their inability to convert those chances proved costly when the contest went to penalties.

Despite the disappointment, Chiefs have received backing from their leadership. Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr reaffirmed the club's support for head coach Fernando da Cruz and his technical team, insisting that the early continental exit would not change the club's long-term sporting strategy.

For Red Arrows, the immediate challenge will be to build on this achievement and demonstrate that their victory over Chiefs was more than an isolated success.

Their qualification has placed them among the clubs preparing for the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face stronger opposition and have an opportunity to establish themselves further on the African football scene.

The Zambian side will also need to maintain the discipline, determination and composure that helped them overcome Chiefs in Durban.

With congratulatory messages continuing to arrive, Red Arrows have every reason to celebrate their achievement. However, the club's ambitions will extend beyond eliminating one of South Africa's biggest football teams.

Their next objective will be to make a strong impression in the group stage and give their supporters more reasons to celebrate as the continental campaign progresses.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115412065376457118?a=iSxAfxrSeUGC5seRIxs&s=19