Kaizer Chiefs moved to the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup after edging Egyptian side Al Masry 2–1 in their penultimate group fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
The victory lifts Amakhosi to 10 points from five matches and leaves them a single point away from sealing qualification for the knockout phase. Chiefs travel to Cairo next weekend to face Zamalek, where a draw will be enough to book their place in the last 16.
Head coach Cedric Kaze rang the changes following the Nedbank Cup exit, making five alterations to the starting XI. Zitha Kwinika, Dillan Solomons, Lebohang Maboe, Glody Lilepo and Pule Mmodi all came in as Chiefs sought a response on the continental stage.
The first half was largely cagey until the breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. A fierce Lilepo strike struck the arm of Ahmed Mansour inside the box and, after lengthy protests from the visitors, Flavio Da Silva kept his composure to convert from the penalty spot. The Brazilian striker went close to doubling the lead before the break, rounding the goalkeeper but flashing his effort into the side-netting.
Al Masry emerged with renewed intent after the interval and began to dominate possession, forcing Chiefs onto the back foot. Their pressure was rewarded on the hour when Abderrahim Deghmoum muscled his way past Given Msimango to finish from close range and restore parity.
Chiefs’ response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Maboe’s set-piece caused problems in the Al Masry area, goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdelbaky could only parry Kwinika’s header, and Aden McCarthy reacted quickest to tap home the rebound and restore the lead.
With the visitors committing numbers forward in search of a second equaliser, Amakhosi managed the closing stages with composure, backed by a vibrant Polokwane crowd, to secure a crucial win and put themselves firmly in control of their qualification destiny.
In the same CAF weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns saw their struggles in the Champions League continue as they were held to a 1–1 draw by St-Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi. Sundowns remain third in Group C and must defeat MC Alger in their final match to reach the knockout rounds.
Group D standings (after five matches):
Kaizer Chiefs – 10 pts
Zamalek – 8 pts
Al Masry – 7 pts
A point in Cairo next Sunday will send Chiefs through and cap an impressive response on the continental stage.