Aden McCarthy the hero as Chiefs edge closer to CAF Confed Knockouts

Young defender Aden McCarthy was the unlikely hero at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon, netting a crucial second-half winner as Kaizer Chiefs secured a gritty 2-1 victory over Egyptian side Al Masry.

The result leaves the Glamour Boys on the cusp of the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages, rewarding a performance defined by resilience and clinical set-piece execution.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Goals from Silva & McCarthy send Kaizer Chiefs to top of Group D vs Al Masry SC! 🔥#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/hvafd5e7NP

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 8, 2026

Silva Sets the Tone For Chiefs

In a high-stakes encounter, the match burst into life in the 32nd minute when Al Masry defender Ahmed Mansour was penalised for a handball inside the area. Flávio Silva stepped up to the spot and calmly dispatched the penalty into the bottom right corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The Egyptians, however, proved why they are perennial contenders on the continent. After threatening through Salah Mohsen, the visitors leveled matters in the 57th minute. Abderrahim Deghmoum found space on the left side of the six-yard box and slotted a left-footed strike past Brandon Petersen to silence the Polokwane faithful.

McCarthy’s Moment of Magic

Amakhosi’s response was swift and decisive. Just three minutes after the equalizer, Chiefs earned a set piece in a dangerous area. Following a goalmouth scramble and a saved header from Zitha Kwinika, the ball fell to Aden McCarthy, who lashed a right-footed shot into the center of the goal to restore the lead.

The final half-hour was a test of nerves. Al Masry coach Nabil Kouki threw on reinforcements, including Kingsley Eduwo and Karim Bambo, but the Chiefs’ defense—marshaled by McCarthy and Spiwe Msimango—held firm.

The match was further complicated by a series of injuries, with Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Hamdy forced off in the 87th minute, and Chiefs’ striker Flávio Silva also requiring a substitution.

Knockout Stages in Sight

Despite six minutes of frantic added time and a late scare involving an injury to Thabiso Monyane, Chiefs successfully navigated the storm.

The victory moves Kaizer Chiefs into a commanding position in Group D with 10 points after five games. With head-to-head advantage now secured over Al Masry, Amakhosi essentially have one foot in the quarter-finals as they prepare for their final group stage excursion to Egypt to face Zamalek.

Group D Table