Kaizer Chiefs
Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs breathed new life into their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over Kabuscorp SCP of Angola at FNB Stadium on Saturday. The Soweto giants overturned a first-leg deficit to win 1-0 in normal time, levelling the tie at 1-1 on aggregate before triumphing 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout. 
This result propels Amakhosi into the second preliminary round, where they will face either Djabal FC from Comoros or Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC, depending on the outcome of that ongoing tie. The match was a true test of character for Chiefs, who showed grit under pressure to keep their continental hopes alive.
The game came amid a busy start to the season for Chiefs, who are also competing in the Betway Premiership and aiming to end a long trophy drought. Their return to African football after a few years away has been eagerly anticipated by fans, and this win provides a boost as they look to build momentum. Kabuscorp, meanwhile, put up a strong fight despite being underdogs, showcasing the growing competitiveness of Angolan clubs on the continent.
Chiefs Overcome First-Leg Setback with Determined Performance
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Luanda, where they conceded a lone goal and struggled to break down a resolute Kabuscorp defence, Chiefs knew they needed a strong showing at home. Under the guidance of interim co-head coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, the team dominated possession from the outset but found it tough to create clear-cut opportunities against Beto Bianchi’s well-organised side.
The starting lineup saw Brandon Petersen in goal, protected by a backline of Reeve Frosler (listed as Cross in some reports), Inácio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika as captain, and Dillon Solomons. In midfield, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Thabo Cele provided stability, while Pule Mmodi, Gastón Sirino, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Glody Lilepo (also known as Makabi Lilepo) formed the attacking unit. This setup allowed Chiefs to control the ball, but Kabuscorp’s disciplined approach limited their chances in the early stages.
The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Lilepo reacted fastest to a spilled shot from Solomons. The Congolese forward pounced on the loose ball after the Kabuscorp goalkeeper failed to hold onto Solomons’ powerful effort, slotting home from close range to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home crowd, injecting energy into the stadium and giving Chiefs the momentum they needed heading into the break.
Key Moments and Heroic Saves Define Tense Encounter
The second half saw Chiefs push for a winner, but Kabuscorp remained a threat on the counter. In the 63rd minute, substitute Flavio da Silva found himself in a one-on-one situation but was denied by a sharp save from the Kabuscorp keeper. The visitors nearly stole the tie in the 73rd minute when they launched a quick break, only for Petersen to produce a superb save to keep Chiefs in the game. This moment proved crucial, as it prevented Kabuscorp from scoring a potentially decisive away goal.
Tensions boiled over in the closing stages, with a scuffle breaking out among players as frustrations mounted. The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, during which Chiefs had to withstand intense pressure from Kabuscorp, who threw everything forward in search of a goal. Despite the drama, the score remained 1-0 on the day, forcing the match into penalties.
Throughout the game, Chiefs’ midfield maestro Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who came off the bench, impressed with his vision and control, helping to dictate the tempo. On the other side, Kabuscorp’s defensive resilience was evident, having conceded just one goal across both legs in normal time. The Angolan team, who finished ninth in their domestic league last season but qualified via the cup, showed they could compete with bigger names.
Penalty Shootout Drama Seals Chiefs’ Progression
With the aggregate tied at 1-1, the contest moved to spot-kicks, where nerves were tested under the floodlights. Chiefs stepped up confidently, converting all five of their penalties. Gastón Sirino was among the successful takers, slotting his effort calmly. Kabuscorp managed four but faltered on one, with Petersen making a key save to tilt the balance. The decisive kick came from young defender Aden McCarthy, who fired home to secure a 5-4 victory and spark jubilant scenes among players and fans.
This flawless performance from the penalty spot highlighted Chiefs’ composure, especially after a challenging match. Legends like Farouk Khan and Tsepo Masilela praised the team’s resilience in post-match discussions, noting the potential in young stars like McCarthy and Shabalala. However, some observers pointed out areas for improvement, such as sharper finishing and better decision-making in attack, with players like Lilepo, Mmodi, and Shabalala occasionally opting for individual plays over team options.
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