Anticipation is high as the Belgian coach edges closer to announcing his final squad for the continental competition. His provisional list has already offered a glimpse of what the final group could look like, sparking debate about the positions still up for grabs. Notably, four Amakhosi players have been included, and all eyes will be on whether they survive the final cut after the Soweto giants failed to contribute a single Bafana Bafana player at the last AFCON edition.
The Buccaneers struck twice in the last 45 minutes to collect maximum points in the Premier Soccer League outing against Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium. While the win gave Bucs' supporters hope that their team can go all the way, it was a massive concern for their visitors, who are firmly rooted at the bottom of the table.
The 2023/24 champions are hoping for another victory in their pool to continue with their strong start in the ongoing campaign, as opposed to the Glamour Boys, who were undone in Egypt on Sunday. It will be vital for the Soweto giants to avoid another defeat, which might end up affecting their chances of making the knockout phase.
The Soweto giants suffered defeat in their group opener away in Egypt, and that leaves them with a task to recover when they host Zamalek in Polokwane on Sunday. They will be out to avoid dropping points again as they eye reaching the tournament's Knockout stage. Failing to beat the White Knights could leave Amakhosi under pressure going into their third match of this pool, something that might take a psychological toll on the players.
The Amakhosi star is among the four players from the club who have been included in the provisional Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals squad. What now remains is to see how many will be included in the final team that will head to Morocco for the continental tournament. Broos has always snubbed players from Naturena, and he previously defended his position, citing the club's poor performance.
The Glamour Boys suffered a defeat in their first Group C game, and the tactician believes the loss is a harsh result. To him, a draw would have been a far better outcome given how his Chiefs went toe-to-toe against the Egyptian outfit. Next, Amakhosi will play another Egyptian side, but this time around, the challenge is expected to be even huge because Zamalek are not only heavyweights at home but are also continental giants.
Amakhosi's CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign started with disappointment after going down 2-1 to Al Masry of Egypt. Despite showing determination to fight back while playing away from home, Chiefs were undone by poor defending as Al Masry grabbed the advantage to strike the winning goal. After the loss in Suez, three players have been singled out, and Inacio Miguel was specifically blamed for his mistake that handed the Egyptian side a glorious chance to punish Amakhosi.
It was almost the perfect weekend for Mzansi sides in continental football. Mamelodi Sundowns were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday, while Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs did duty in the Confederation Cup on Sunday. Downs, although slightly underwhelming, managed to beat Orlando Pirates slayers Saint Eloi-Lupopo at home. Stellies, meanwhile, left it late to see off Otoho d’Oyo. It was then over to Amakhosi to ensure South African teams completed a perfect outing in the CAF interclub competition, but they disappointed.
Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup journey began with heartbreak, as they suffered a late setback in their opening Group D clash against Al Masry at Suez Stadium on Sunday, 23 November. Despite moments of resilience and a spirited equaliser, defensive lapses proved costly in the closing stages, leaving the Glamour Boys empty-handed in Egypt.
Amakhosi kicked off their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a testing away fixture at Suez Stadium in Egypt on Sunday, 23 November. The Glamour Boys entered the continental spotlight determined to showcase resilience and ambition, setting the tone for a demanding journey where every point will prove vital in their pursuit of progress.
The South African forward has quietly carved out a stellar campaign in Egypt, delivering consistent performances that have propelled his club to the summit of the log standings. Sitting above giants Al Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids FC, his form has been instrumental in maintaining their grip on first place and reinforcing his growing reputation in North Africa.
The Soweto giants, who are drawn in a challenging Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Zamalek, ZESCO United, and Al Masry, have made the necessary preparations for their next fixtures during the international break. Confident, the Phefeni side believes they have what it takes to tackle the highly anticipated tough battles ahead.
Amakhosi will embark on a historical journey in the Confederation Cup after reaching the group stage for the first time in their history. However, they face tougher opponents that include former champions and Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC, as well as Zambian giants Zesco United. The Glamour Boys are expected to travel to Egypt for their group opening game against Al Masry on Sunday.
Amakhosi are on their next mission to remind the football community that they, too, belong among Africa’s giants as they prepare to travel to face Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages on Sunday. The 29-year-old centre-back confidently stated that Chiefs will show they are a big team in this campaign, backed by the hard work and intensity of their current preparations.
The Glamour Boys have officially withdrawn from the tournament. The event was originally scheduled to take place during the previous international break on 11 October, but was already postponed to accommodate Amakhosi's injuries and travel commitments.
The competition in the Premier Soccer League has been impressive in the last couple of games, where the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, are getting a stiff challenge from the Soweto giants. The trio currently sit in the top three positions with just three points separating Masandawana from third-placed Amakhosi.
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 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.
Zamalek SC
