Chiefs Win on Penalties to Advance to Confederation Cup Next Round

By Benjamin Nyirenda

Kaizer Chiefs progressed to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after overcoming Kapuscrop on penalties at the FNB Stadium.
The Soweto giants recalled Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Glody Lilepo, Mduduzi Shabalala, Dillan Solomons and Pule Mmodi following the draw with Marumo Gallants on Wednesday evening, while Khanyiso Mayo, who scored in the last game, is not eligible for this round of the competition.

Chiefs made the early forays in the first half just as they did in the first leg, with Lilepo’s pace causing a bit of a problem for the Angolans out wide but they struggled to create big chances in the box.

The home side carved out their first big opening in 17 minutes when Mmodi was presented with a big chance in the opposition box, but the skilful winger was denied by a fine save from the Kapuscorp goalkeeper.

It was one-way traffic in the first period, but Chiefs should have taken the lead on 32 minutes when the ball fell kindly to Bradley Cross, who somehow steered his effort over the crossbar from eight yards out.

Chiefs got their reward with five minutes left in the first half when the Kapuscorp goalkeeper parried Solomons’ shot into the path of Lilepo, who rifled the ball home with a first-time finish.

Chiefs made a couple of changes just before the hour mark as Flavio da Silva and Thabo Cele replaced Du Preez and Ngcobo, with the home side looking to get a second goal and avoid a penalty shoot-out.

Da Silva nearly made the perfect impact when he combined with Shabalala to go clear on goal, but the Guinea-Bissau striker fired straight at the goalkeeper from eight yards out before the visitors cleared.

The Angolans nearly restored parity against the run of play with 15 minutes to go via the boot of Luis Direto, but goalkeeper Brandon Petersen managed to tip the effort over the crossbar.

Chiefs threw everything forward in search of a late winner, but the Angolans defended well and managed to hold on until the final whistle, forcing the game to penalties.

The Soweto giants managed to hold their nerve in the shoot-out, where they converted all five spot-kicks while Petersen also made one save.

Here’s how they lined up:

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross, Miguel, Solomons, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Shabalala, Lilepo, Du Preez

Subs: Ntwari, Frosler, McCarthy, Shinga, Matlou, Cele, Sirino, Da Silva, Duba