Kaizer Chiefs kept their continental hopes alive with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Angola’s Kabuscorp in their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round qualifier on Saturday.
The result followed a 1-0 home victory at FNB Stadium, levelling the tie 1-1 on aggregate after the first-leg defeat in Luanda.
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The decisive moment came in the shootout, where Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made a crucial save, and Aden McCarthy slotted home the final penalty to send Amakhosi into the second preliminary round of the tournament.
Redemption After First-Leg Defeat
Kaizer Chiefs went into the match needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the away leg.
Despite ongoing off-field drama regarding head coach Nasreddine Nabi, the team showed renewed purpose under interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
The only goal of the match came in the 40th minute, when Glody Lilepo scored from close range after Dillan Solomons’s powerful strike was parried into his path.
The equalising goal on aggregate restored belief among Kaizer Chiefs’ supporters, who had packed into the stadium hoping for a turnaround.
Nail-Biting Shootout
With the tie finishing 1-1 over two legs, penalties were required.
Kaizer Chiefs held their nerve, converting all five spot kicks, while Petersen’s save proved decisive in the tightly contested shootout.
The result offers some relief for the Soweto giants, who have faced growing criticism for inconsistent domestic performances and internal management issues.
It also marks progress in a competition the club has long struggled to make an impact in.
Coach Kaze: “We Showed Resilience”
Speaking after the match, co-coach Cedric Kaze said the team had the full support of Nabi despite his suspension.
“We wanted to fight for the badge, for our supporters, and for the coach. The players responded brilliantly and showed the spirit that defines this club,” said Kaze.
Looking Ahead
The Glamour Boys now shift their focus back to the Betway Premiership, with a Wednesday, 1 October clash (19:30) against AmaZulu, led by former Kaizer Chiefs player and coach Arthur Zwane, followed by a Telkom Knockout fixture against Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, 5 October in Cape Town at 15:00.
They will await confirmation of their next CAF Confederation Cup opponents in the coming days.
Match Summary
- Score: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Kabuscorp (Aggregate 1-1)
- Penalty shootout: Kaizer Chiefs win 5-4
- Goal: Glody Lilepo (40’)
- Man of the Match: Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
