CAFCC: Chiefs secure Durban double over ZESCO to boost knockout stage hopes

Kaizer Chiefs took a massive step toward the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages on Sunday afternoon, securing a gritty 1-0 victory over ZESCO United at a vibrant Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The win completes a back-to-back “group stage double” over the Zambian outfit, following their identical 1-0 triumph in Ndola last weekend. The result also extends Amakhosi’s remarkable defensive record in 2026, marking their fourth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions.

Early Breakthrough For Chiefs

Much like the reverse fixture, the Glamour Boys wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 13th minute, the pressure paid off when Makabi Lilepo found the back of the net. The goal was manufactured by a slick combination between Flávio Silva and the creative Mfundo Vilakazi, whose assist allowed Lilepo to rifled a clinical right-footed shot into the centre of the goal.

It was Lilepo’s second goal in a week, justifying the decision by co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze to start him in a more offensive 4-4-2 setup.

Despite Chiefs controlling much of the possession, ZESCO United—desperate for their first points of the campaign—refused to fold. The visitors forced Brandon Petersen into several high-quality saves to keep the lead intact:

29th Minute: Petersen tipped a goal-bound header from Amine Hiver over the bar. 31st Minute: The Chiefs skipper made himself big at the far post to deny Kabaso Chongo’s goalward volley.

77th Minute: Petersen again came to the rescue, parrying a stinging long-range effort from Leonard Mulenga into the top corner.

The second half saw both sides trade blows in a physical encounter. Chiefs had chances to put the game to bed, most notably in the 90th minute when Lebohang Maboe rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike from outside the box following a lay-off from substitute Wandile Duba.

As the clock ticked into five minutes of added time, ZESCO threw bodies forward. Abraham Siankombo had a final opportunity from a 35-yard free kick in the 93rd minute, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the bar, leaving the Zambian side rooted to the bottom of Group D.

Standings and Outlook

The victory moves Amakhosi into a strong position in Group D. With the Durban faithful behind them, the Soweto giants have now turned Moses Mabhida into a continental fortress, maintaining their streak of not conceding a goal at home in the competition this season. With the win, Chiefs jumped to second place with seven points after four games.

CAFCC Group D Table