Ben Youssef finds silver lining in Suez defeat: Chiefs take crucial lessons

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has maintained an optimistic outlook following the club’s narrow 2-1 loss to Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup group stage curtain-raiser, insisting the performance provided a crucial foundation for the rest of their continental campaign.

Amakhosi were edged by a late goal in a fiercely contested battle at the Suez Stadium on Sunday evening. While the dressing room was undoubtedly hit by frustration, Ben Youssef pointed to the invaluable experience gained by his relatively inexperienced squad.

“This was the first time that more than 80 percent of our players experienced this level of continental football,” Ben Youssef said after the match. “It’s very different from the PSL. Here you must be more focused, more aggressive. At this level, matches are decided by very small details. If you lose concentration for even one second, you can concede.”

The coach was adamant that the team deserved a better result, conceding that small lapses in concentration cost them a point in Egypt.

“Looking at our performance, we deserved a minimum of a draw,” he explained. “But we have to learn from our mistakes. We’ll analyse the game, look at the positives and the negatives, and continue to work.”

Chiefs Coach Sees ‘Encouraging Signs’ Despite Loss

The focus now immediately shifts to a pivotal home fixture against Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC, a match Ben Youssef believes is non-negotiable for their progression hopes.

“Zamalek are one of the best teams in Africa with huge experience in continental competition. It will be a tough game, but if we want to qualify, we cannot afford any mistakes at home. We need to win our home matches and collect more points away,” he stressed.

Ben Youssef is counting on the familiar setting of Polokwane’s New Peter Mokaba Stadium to serve as the catalyst for a vital win.

“We know our fans, we know the stadium, and we know it will be full,” he stated, emphasizing the power of the Amakhosi faithful. “Their support means everything. I hope next weekend we’ll win and put ourselves in a better position in the group.”

Despite the sting of defeat in Suez, the Chiefs camp remains resolute, turning a tough opening lesson into determination ahead of a defining clash against one of Africa’s top sides.