Kaizer Chiefs claimed their first point in the CAF Confederation Cup
group stages with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Zamalek SC at the New Peter
Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Zamalek struck early after a costly error. Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon
Petersen misjudged a corner in the third minute, allowing Seifeddine Jaziri
to pounce and fire the visitors ahead.
Chiefs nearly responded immediately when Gaston Sirino’s audacious 40-yard
lob struck the post. However, the first half was disrupted by two forced
substitutions for the home side, with Bradley Cross and the injured
Sirino—who was stretchered off—replaced by Paseka Mako and Mfundo Vilakazi.
Despite enjoying more possession, Chiefs struggled to break down a resolute
Zamalek defense, limited to long-range attempts from Mduduzi Shabalala and
Vilakazi.
The second half saw increased pressure from Amakhosi. A combination of
Vilakazi and Dillon Solomons on the right flank created promising openings.
The pressure almost backfired when Juan Bezerra was denied by a crucial
Petersen save in the 75th minute, before Solomons blazed a golden chance
over the bar a minute later.
Just as a defeat seemed certain, Chiefs found a lifeline deep into stoppage
time. Solomons’ driven cross was spilled into his own net by the Zamalek
goalkeeper in the seventh minute of added time, securing a hard-fought point
for the Soweto giants.
Lineups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross (Mako), Miguel, Kwinika, Solomons, Mthethwa
(Ngcobo), Maboe, Shabalala, Mmodi (Velebayi), Sirino (Vilakazi), Ighodaro
(Da Silva).
Subs: Bvuma, Monyane, Msimango, Matlou, Ngcobo, Vilakazi, Velebayi, Da
Silva.
