Preview | Kaizer Chiefs take aim at Red Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs will be desperate to keep their continental campaign alive when they face Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie in Durban on Friday, 23 October.

Kick-off at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is 18:00.

Amakhosi head into the encounter trailing 1-0 on aggregate after suffering a narrow defeat in the first leg in Ndola, Zambia.

The stakes are clear: Kaizer Chiefs must win by at least two goals to secure automatic qualification for the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Kaizer Chiefs need a strong response

The first leg was decided in the 76th minute when Alassane Diarra headed home from a corner, handing Red Arrows a crucial advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Kaizer Chiefs will now have home support behind them as they attempt to overturn the deficit and progress in the competition for a second consecutive season.

A two-goal victory, such as 2-0 or 3-1, would see Amakhosi advance on aggregate.

A 1-0 win would take the tie to a penalty shoot-out, with no extra-time played in two-legged CAF knockout matches.

However, if Kaizer Chiefs win by a single goal while conceding, Red Arrows will progress under the away-goals rule. A draw or defeat would also eliminate the Soweto giants.

Home record offers hope

Kaizer Chiefs can draw confidence from their recent record in African club competitions.

Amakhosi are unbeaten in their last 11 home matches in continental competition, having recorded seven victories and four draws across the 2020/21 CAF Champions League and last season’s CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.

Their overall home record in the CAF Confederation Cup stands at six wins, one draw and two defeats in nine matches. Kaizer Chiefs have scored in all nine of those games.

Their record against Zambian opposition is less encouraging, however.

In seven previous matches against Zambian clubs in African competitions, Kaizer Chiefs have managed two wins, one draw and four defeats.

Their only home victory against a Zambian opponent in three matches came against Zesco at Moses Mabhida Stadium during last season’s CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Can Amakhosi repeat last season’s comeback?

Kaizer Chiefs have previously lost the first leg of a continental tie eight times, progressing only once.

That successful comeback came last season against Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round. After losing the first leg 1-0 away from home, Kaizer Chiefs won the return match 1-0 before advancing on penalties.

It remains the club’s only continental tie decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Kaizer Chiefs will hope to draw on that experience as they look to overcome Red Arrows, avoid an early exit and secure another opportunity to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Tickets are available through Computicket and at Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide for R80, while hospitality tickets are available at R1 699 and R2 899.

Suite tickets can be purchased through the Moses Mabhida Stadium hospitality team by emailing MMS.Hospitality@durban.gov.za or calling 031 322 3115.

Will Kaizer Chiefs do enough to progress to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage?