Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Red Arrows in the second leg of the second preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

Amakhosi needed to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit from the first leg in Ndola, Zambia, and managed to level the tie through Bradley Cross. However, they failed to take their chances during the match and eventually lost the shootout, ending their hopes of progressing further in the competition.

Chiefs started the game with attacking intent as they looked to score an early goal and put pressure on the visitors. They pushed forward whenever they had possession, hoping to find a breakthrough that would bring them level on aggregate.

However, their attacking approach also created opportunities for Red Arrows to threaten on the counter-attack. The Zambian side looked dangerous when winning possession but struggled to turn their forward moves into clear scoring chances.

In the 11th minute, Chiefs came close to opening the scoring when Thulani Mabaso found an opportunity inside the box. However, Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba produced an important save to keep his team in the game.

Fernando Da Cruz’s men continued to search for a goal but found it difficult to break down the visitors’ organised defence. Despite their efforts, neither side managed to score before half-time, with the match remaining goalless.

Chiefs returned for the second half determined to change the situation. They continued to spend time in the attacking third but struggled to convert their possession into goals.

Pule Mmodi came close in the 62nd minute with a quick shot, but Kalumba was again on hand to make the save. Four minutes later, Cross finally gave Chiefs the breakthrough they needed, heading home to level the aggregate score at 1-1.

Amakhosi pushed for a second goal in the closing stages, and Shabalala had two opportunities to secure the victory. However, he failed to convert either chance, leaving the tie to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Red Arrows held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2 and eliminate Chiefs from the competition.

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has reportedly backed head coach Fernando Da Cruz despite the club’s elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Motaung insisted that Da Cruz would not be leaving his position, pointing out that even Mamelodi Sundowns had suffered elimination from the CAF Champions League despite investing heavily in quality players. He added that winning and losing are part of football, suggesting that Chiefs should not make a coaching change based on one disappointing result.

The reported backing will provide Da Cruz with some reassurance as Chiefs turn their attention to their domestic commitments. However, the defeat will be disappointing for the club and its supporters, who had hoped to see the team progress in continental competition.

Source: IDiskiTimes