CAF Confederations Cup news

Amakhosi dazzled under the FNB Stadium lights on Tuesday evening, delivering a 4-1 masterclass against top-flight newcomers, the Mswenko Boys. The emphatic win thrilled home fans and catapulted the Glamour Boys to second on the Premier Soccer League table, sitting joint-top with leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 22 points apiece.

Fresh off weekend wins, both teams arrived at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night brimming with confidence. Amakhosi edged Durban City 1-0 away last Friday, while the Umswenko Boys beat Magesi 3-1 on Saturday. With momentum building, both sides were locked in on one goal: bagging maximum points under the midweek lights.

Amakhosi were drawn against three sides that all have history with the Soweto club. Egypt's Zamalek and Al Masry, and Zambia's ZESCO all have historical links to matches in the past which still rankle and offer an opportunity for revenge.

The Glamour Boys' supporters had anticipated seeing their team stage some of their CAF inter-club group assignments at the venue since it gives them another feeling. However, that might not be possible, at least not now, as the Soweto giants have explained why their games will be staged at the usual FNB Stadium.

The former Black Leopards star has established himself as Amakhosi's first-choice midfielder under co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. His consistent displays have earned him three Man of the Match accolades. Therefore, Mthethwa's performances have become the main talking point in recent weeks.

The Soweto giants were drawn in Group D in the continental competition alongside two-time champions Zamalek SC, Al Masry, and ZESCO United. The draw took place on Monday afternoon in Randburg. A Chiefs official has reacted to the draw, indicating that they will be on a revenge mission.

Orlando Pirates were eliminated from the annual top-tier competition on the continent. However, the Glamour Boys, the Brazilians, and Stellies are set to represent Mzansi in the ongoing CAF inter-club tournaments, hoping to go to the latter stages and probably win the crown despite the anticipated stiff competition from other teams.

The new Glamour Boy has attracted the attention of Bucs' former star, who has said Chiefs now have a player that is going to help them a great deal. Already, the new player has hit the road running, as his time at Naturena started on a bright note.

With both Masandawana and the Glamour Boys hoping to do well in their CAF games, the tactician has asked for support from the local football governing body. Last season, Downs managed to reach the final of the Champions League despite the fact that they had a congested calendar.

The Soweto giants have made their intentions clear — exploring possibilities to make their way back to Dobsonville Stadium. This comes as no surprise following the impressive fan turnout during their recent continental fixture at the South Western Township venue. However, questions remain over whether the facilities meet the necessary standards to regularly host top-flight matches.

Despite fighting hard to reach the next stage of the continental competition, their coaches' tactical ability has been questioned. Although they are yet to know their group stage rivals, the Glamour Boys' prospects of doing better have been questioned.

There is a chance that the Premier Soccer League sides might find themselves in the same group. Unlike last season, the Maroons will seek to advance further after they were eliminated at the semi-final by Tanzania's Simba SC, then under Fadlu Davids.

The two were finally given their official Glamour Boys' debuts after waiting for a long time since they signed for the Soweto giants. Velebayi was delayed by a case he had with his former club, Cape Town Spurs, while Maboe had just recovered from an injury that sidelined him.

Amakhosi's dream of winning a continental trophy remains alive thanks to their dominant home game against AS Simba. The Glamour Boys' hope of a group stage ticket was realised within just 26 minutes, as they had already achieved an advantage that Simba could not cancel in the end.

After failing to score in the first-leg encounter despite creating many open chances, Amakhosi were clinical at home, and before the half-hour mark, they had stretched the win quite beyond the reach of their rivals. Chiefs must now ensure they are ready for more gruelling challenges in the group stage.

The Cape Winelands side returned to Athlone Stadium on Sunday, 26 October, aiming to break the deadlock after a goalless first leg played in tough conditions in Equatorial Guinea. With home support behind them, they looked to seize control and book their place in the next round with a decisive performance.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's CAF Confederation Cup hosting of their Congolese opponents on Sunday at Dobsonville Stadium. This is a second preliminary round, second leg match with the two teams going into this game carrying a 0-0 draw from the reverse leg in Lubumbashi.