CAFCC: Zesco United coach Ndlovu explains tactical reasons for defeat to Chiefs

Zesco United head coach Mathews Ndlovu has discussed why the Zambian Super League side lost 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in their CAF Confederation Cup fixture on Sunday.

Chiefs secured a narrow but vital win over Zesco United thanks to an early goal in Durban. The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when Makabi Lilepo finished confidently from inside the box following a neat assist.

Zesco pushed for an equaliser and created several chances, particularly in the second half, but were denied by a disciplined Chiefs defence and a solid performance from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

Zesco were slightly careless at the back

“I think the game, as the result entails, was about moments—transition moments and chances. We lost it when Kaizer Chiefs came at us and they utilised the chance they had,” Ndlovu told reporters as quoted by Bola News.

“We started chasing the game; hence time was running out. We had to make some adjustments to come back, but we couldn’t shake the net,” he added. “In the second half at least, we came to the party, but again we couldn’t score.”

 

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Discussing Chiefs, he said: “It is really beatable, especially when you utilize the chances which you create. But if you don’t score, Kaizer Chiefs will overrun you. We were slightly careless at the back when we started the game with them in Ndola.

“We need to finish on a positive note. We have two games remaining, and we need to run the race until we reach the end. It’s a group-stage situation, and we must finish all the games accordingly.”

He concluded: “There are a lot of positives we have learned from the group stage and we need to come back and build on what we have learned.”

Chiefs came close to extending their lead, with Lebohang Maboe striking the crossbar late on, as Amakhosi held on to claim all three points.