Kaizer Chiefs stunned by 10-man Kabuscorp in CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round upset

Kaizer Chiefs began the match with intent, asserting early dominance and nearly taking the lead in the 11th minute when Glody Lilepo was played through on goal. With only the Kabuscorp goalkeeper to beat, the Congolese striker dragged his shot wide, missing a golden opportunity.

The Angolan hosts found it difficult to disrupt the rhythm of their South African visitors, who controlled possession with ease. Lilepo remained a constant menace down the right wing, stretching the defence and creating space.

As the first half progressed, Chiefs continued to look the more composed side, although Kabuscorp came close to snatching a goal just before the interval. A long-range effort was expertly parried away by Brandon Petersen, preserving the deadlock. Despite the chances, the match went into halftime locked at 0-0.

Kabuscorp emerged from the break with renewed energy, pressing forward in search of gaps in the Chiefs’ defence and eventually found the breakthrough when substitute Julio Matondo rose above both Aden McCarthy and Paseka Mako to nod home a well-placed header after 61 minutes of play.

Kabuscorp were dealt a late blow after regulation time when Jorge was shown a straight red card for a reckless elbow to the head of Zitha Kwinika, reducing the home side to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Angolan outfit held firm in the dying moments to seal a gritty 1-0 win on home turf. Chiefs, meanwhile, will head into the return leg on Saturday, 27 September with everything to play for.

Credit must go to Kabuscorp for staying composed under pressure and making their moment count. Despite being second-best in possession, the home side remained disciplined and seized their opportunity when it mattered most, securing a hard-fought victory on home soil.

Chiefs will be kicking themselves after failing to capitalize on their dominance. Despite controlling possession for much of the match, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third and squandered key chances that could have earned them at least a point. In the end, their inability to convert pressure into goals proved costly.

Amakhosi will return to South Africa to regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming Premier Soccer League fixture. 

The team is set to face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, 24 September, in a highly anticipated home match at FNB Stadium.

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