Chiefs’ unbeaten streak against Angolan opposition ends in CAF Confederation Cup

Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten record against Angolan clubs in the interclub competitions has come to an end after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Kabuscorp SCP in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie.

The defeat to Kabuscorp on Saturday afternoon was a double blow for Chiefs. Not only did they lose their first match against an Angolan side, but they also conceded a goal for the first time against such an opponent. The game took place at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Talatona, near Luanda.

Prior to this match, the Amakhosi had been undefeated in their six previous encounters with Angolan clubs, winning three and drawing three. In addition, the narrow defeat was Chiefs’ second in a row, following their 3-1 league loss to Sekhukhune United in midweek.

The Soweto giants started the game brightly and should have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Glody Lilepo was sent through on goal, but the forward missed a golden opportunity. The visitors looked comfortable on the ball and dominated possession in the first half, while Lilepo continued to be a constant threat on the right wing. However, the hosts nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime, but Chiefs’ goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made a superb save from a long-range shot.

KABUSCORP TAKES ADVANTAGE OVER CHIEFS AFTER FIRST LEG

The second half began with another missed chance for Lilepo. The home side made a few attacking entries, but the Chiefs’ defense held firm until a moment of miscommunication between Paseka Mako and Aden McCarthy in the 61st minute allowed substitute Julio Matondo to score. The goal was the first Chiefs had conceded against an Angolan team in their history.

Chiefs pushed for an equaliser, and Thabo Cele came agonizingly close in the 68th minute with a long-range shot that hit the woodwork. Kabuscorp, however, did not sit back and nearly doubled their lead just two minutes later, but their effort went wide.

In the final moments of the game, Kabuscorp’s Jorge received a straight red card for an elbow on Zitha Kwinika. Despite a late penalty shout for Chiefs that was turned down, they couldn’t find an equaliser. Kabuscorp will now take a crucial 1-0 advantage into the second leg, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at FNB Stadium in Soweto.