CAFCC: Kaizer Chiefs coach blames pitch condition despite win over Zesco United

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Khalil Youssef was left frustrated with the condition of the pitch despite his side securing a vital victory against Zesco United in their CAF Confederation Cup fixture on Sunday.

The South African outfit claimed a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that proved decisive.

Chiefs struck in just two minutes when Mmodi reacted quickest inside the box to convert from close range following a corner, giving Chiefs a dream start. Moments earlier, Flávio Silva had hit the post from another corner, signaling Chiefs’ early dominance.

‘It was difficult to play our football’

Speaking after the game, Youssef told the media as quoted by Bola News: “It wasn’t a great game to watch; it was a physical one for us. The target was three points. We didn’t come to play great football to enjoy it.

“The pitch made it difficult for us. Maybe the philosophy of Zesco United is to play long balls, but for us, we are more of a team that tries to play short passes to build up and progress.

“Unfortunately, with the pitch today, it was difficult to play our football.”

The second half saw Zesco increase the pressure, winning multiple free kicks and corners as they searched for an equalizer.

Despite several stoppages due to injuries, Chiefs held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.