Kaizer Chiefs edge out Zesco United to boost CAF Confederation Cup hopes

Kaizer Chiefs momentarily climbed to second on the log in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign, after beating Zesco United 1–0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Chiefs’ second-place position was not yet sealed, as Al Masry – level with them on seven points but ahead on superior goal difference – were still to play Zamalek in a later kick-off. Zamalek trail the duo by three points heading into the Egyptian derby.

Chiefs are gradually mastering the art of getting the job done, as they pulled off another narrow win – their fourth in a row since the restart of the season. They had also beaten Zesco by the same scoreline away in Ndola last Sunday.

Amakhosi were not at their best, to be sure, but they were good enough to get the job done. They controlled possession as expected on a surface that was almost carpet-like – unlike the cabbage patch in Ndola last week – allowing them to string together passes in the engine room.

While this was a team effort, aided by the return of Mfundo Vilakazi to the starting line-up, it once again took a Glody Lilepo goal to steer them to victory. 

Pule Mmodi, the scorer of the lone goal in Ndola, intercepted Zesco’s clearance near the touchline, as Flavio Silva collected the loose ball and laid it perfectly for Vilakazi, who was in front of goal.

Instead of being selfish and taking a rushed shot under pressure, the youngster neatly poked the ball towards Lilepo on the far right. The DRC international controlled it well before firing a hard, low shot past Opiyo Omondi to give Chiefs the lead.

The 28-year-old continued to work tirelessly, ensuring Chiefs maintained both their resolve to reach the knockout stage and their standing in African football by leading the attacking effort. Zesco, despite fielding a makeshift defence following the departure of several key players during Africa Cup of Nations, held firm to ensure they did not head into half-time with a heavy deficit.

While the visitors were doing just enough to stay in the game, Chiefs’ defence was rock-solid, with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen equal to the task whenever Zesco threatened with their rare chances. Amine Hiver initially forced a brilliant save from Petersen with a close-range header before the goalkeeper tipped the resultant corner into the path of Kabaso Chongo.

The stocky defender unleashed a fierce shot, but Petersen produced another fine stop.

Chiefs quickly turned defence into attack, with Lilepo teeing up Silva in front of goal, but the striker blasted his effort into the stands. Moments later, Lilepo also sent a shot wide of the target.

With Zesco starting the second half on the front foot, Chiefs rang the changes, including withdrawing Vilakazi for Mduduzi Shabalala. The latter, who recently reached a century of appearances for the senior team, received a guard of honour from his teammates and a commemorative T-shirt from the club to mark what was his 102nd appearance.

The introduction of Shabalala did little to improve Chiefs’ attacking output as Zesco continued to apply pressure. However, with the help of Petersen’s brilliance in goal, Chiefs held on for the win to remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout phase.

Scoreboard

KAIZER CHIEFS (1) 1

Lilepo 13’

ZESCO UNITED 0