Kaizer Chiefs fall to Kabuscorp in Angola

Kabuscorp S.C.P v Kaizer Chiefs Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Kabuscorp S.C.P. has taken a crucial 1-0 lead over Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round clash. The Angolan side secured the win on Saturday night at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda.

Amakhosi came into this showdown without their head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, due to the ongoing discussions between the Soweto giants and the Tunisian mentor, as they are set to cut ties.

In his absence, assistants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have taken over the coaching duties on a temporary basis.

The coaching duo made three changes to the starting lineup from the team that lost 3-1 to Sekhukhune United in the midweek league match. Zitha Kwinika replaced Reeve Frosler in defence, Thabo Cele came in for Siphesihle Ndlovu in midfield, and Mduduzi Shabalala started ahead of Gaston Sirino.

Chiefs began the match on the front foot. Godly Lilepo had a shot saved in the ninth minute, and Pule Mmodi had an effort blocked shortly after. The visitors continued to press and frustrate the hosts, but Kabuscorp’s disciplined defence held strong.

Kaizer Chiefs players during their game against Kabuscorp S.C.P in the CAF Confederation Cup tie. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

KABUSCORP S.C.P AND KAIZER CHIEFS LEVEL AT HALF-TIME BREAK

Both teams went into the halftime break with the score still locked at 0-0.

Kabuscorp came out strong in the second half, using their home advantage to put immense pressure on the Chiefs’ defence. The home side’s persistence paid off in the 60th minute when substitute Julio Matondo broke the deadlock, thanks to an assist from Jorge Lucussa.

Chiefs had several opportunities to equalise but couldn’t convert their chances. The visitors came closest in the 68th minute when Thabo Cele’s shot hit the woodwork and bounced back into play.

In the final moments of the game, Lucussa was given a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Zitha Kwinika. However, it was too late for Chiefs to capitalise. Kabuscorp successfully defended their lead, securing a crucial 1-0 win at home. They will now take this one-goal advantage into the second leg next weekend at FNB Stadium.