Chiefs defended deep, still conceded in Confederation Cup loss to Red Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs were looking to make history against Red Arrows today (17 October).

Instead, the Amakhosi are trailing after a 0-1 loss in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

Here’s what went down at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Red Arrows not shown live

The club confirmed today (17 October) that the match would not be broadcast.

Chiefs said this was due to Red Arrows being unable to provide the SABC with the means to air the game.

Updates were instead relegated to live coverage by social media and live scoring sites.

The lack of updates on the match frustrated fans on social media.

Some questioned if Chiefs were losing, while others debated the XI for the first leg.

The Amakhosi relied on a strong defensive unit, as confirmed on social media.

CAF Confederation Cup: Second Preliminary Round 1st Leg: Red Arrows vs. Kaizer Chiefs

Starting 11: Leaner, Monyane, Miguel, Moloisane, Cross, Mako, Frosler, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Baartman

Subs: Bvuma, Dortley, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Velebayi, Abrahams, Ighodaro, Da Silva,… pic.twitter.com/rtAIgTYqKp

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 17, 2026

Chiefs announced their starting lineup as follows:

Leaner; Cross, Moloisane, Miguel, Monyana; Mako, Frosler, Mthethwa, Vilakazi; Shabalala, Baartman.

How the game went down

Chiefs lost Thabiso Monyane early in the game due to an injury.

Thulani Mabaso replaced him after just half an hour, marking yet another concern for Fernando da Cruz.

The game remained goalless after the first 45 minutes.

Flavio da Silva replaced Luke Baartman as the teams came on for the second half.

Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala were replaced by Wandile Duba and Etiosa Ighodaro at 71 minutes.

5 minutes later, Red Arrows opened the scoring with a Alassane Diarra header from a corner set piece.

The game ended in a lacklustre 0-1 win for the hosts, taking a lead into the second leg on 23 October.

Chiefs now need to salvage a win at the FNB Stadium to keep their Confederation Cup dream alive.

As NGM commented on X:

“Stop the lion gimmick!!! You’re just a headless chicken who gets eaten by anyone.”

CAN KAIZER CHIEFS BOUNCE BACK IN THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP SECOND LEG?

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