Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has demanded an immediate rise
in focus and maturity from his squad following a narrow 2-1 defeat to
Egypt’s Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup, a loss he attributes to the
harsh realities of continental football.
Despite a battling performance in Port Said, a largely inexperienced
Amakhosi side was punished for lapses in concentration. Ben Youssef
highlighted the steep learning curve his players faced.
“This was the first time that more than 80 percent of our players
experienced this level,” he stated. “It’s very different from the PSL. Here,
matches are decided by small details. If you lose concentration for even one
second, you can concede.”
While disappointed with the result, the Tunisian tactician believed his
team’s performance warranted at least a point. “Looking at our performance,
we deserved a minimum of a draw,” Ben Youssef explained. “But we have to
learn from our mistakes. We’ll analyse the game and continue to work.”
The defeat puts Chiefs under early pressure in a difficult group, setting
the stage for a critical encounter next weekend against Egyptian giants
Zamalek SC at the FNB Stadium. Ben Youssef emphasized the non-negotiable
requirement to win at home.
“Zamalek are one of the best teams in Africa with huge experience,” he
acknowledged. “It will be a tough game, but if we want to qualify, we cannot
afford any mistakes at home. We need to win our home matches.”
The coach is now counting on a powerful homecoming at a packed FNB Stadium
to energize his team after a demanding trip. “We know our fans, we know the
stadium will be full, and their support means everything,” Ben Youssef said.
“I hope next weekend we’ll win and put ourselves in a better position in the
group.”
