Kaizer Chiefs shot to the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Masry at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday afternoon.
After starting the afternoon second on the table, the Soweto giants claimed maximum points to remove Al Masry from the summit. The Egyptian side slid down to third on an afternoon their rivals Zamalek edged Zesco United 1-0 to go second.
It was Chiefs’ perfect response to the disappointment of being booted out of the Nedbank Cup by Stellenbosch FC last Wednesday. The Soweto giants have two points clear at the table as they now need just a draw away at Zamalek next weekend to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Chiefs coaches brought black into the line-up the likes of Pule Mmodi, Zitha Kwinika, Lebohang Maboe and Dillan Solomons after the quartet did not start against Stellenbosch. But missing in action on Sunday was defender Inacio Miguel while Gaston Sirino, Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako started from the bench.
As the two teams struggled for a breakthrough, Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Al Masry captain Ahmed Mansour was adjudged to have handled off a Glody Lilepo shot.
Up-stepped Flavio da Silva to beat Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Hamdy with six minutes to the break. Silva almost grabbed a brace on the stroke of halftime after rounding Hamdy but saw his effort hit the side net.
AL MASRY HIT BACK BUT CHIEFS QUICKLY REACT
The Egyptian outfit pulled back when Algerian striker Abderrahim Deghmoum beat Brandon Petersen from an acute angle in the 57th minute. It was a dramatic moment which saw Chiefs immediately reclaiming the lead when Aden McCarthy hit the back of the net in a follow-up to Kwinika’s saved headed effort on the hour mark.
Shortly after, Mduduzi Shabalala could have given Amakhosi a comfortable lead, but had Hamdy denying him face-to-face.
McCarthy received a yellow card on the cusp of halftime and is now suspended for the trip to Zamalek which is Chiefs’ last group game.
STELLENBOSCH OUT OF CONFEDERATION CUP AFTER LOSING TO AS OTOHO
Meanwhile, in Congo Brazzaville, Stellebosch fell 3-0 to AS Otoho d’Oyo Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat to remain rooted at the bottom of Group C.
Pomi Nzaou thrust the hosts ahead in the 38th minute before Klegnime Kone made it 2-0 for Otoho three minutes before halftime. Kone was back on the scoresheet to assure victory for Otoho with 11 minutes remaining.
It was a big blow for Stellenbosch who are now out of contention for a quarter-final spot. Gavin Hunt’s side has four points from five games, and even if they beat Singida Black Stars at home next Sunday, that will not be enough for a top-two finish in this group.
RELATED STORY: Chiefs move to second place in CAF Confederation Group D