Kaizer Chiefs returned to CAF Confederation Cup action this afternoon, hosting Egyptian giants Zamalek FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. This crucial group stage match was a must-win for the Glamour Boys, who sought to leverage home-ground advantage after a bitter 2-1 away loss to Al Masry in Egypt the previous weekend.

Coach Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef faced a challenge with four key players sidelined due to injury: defenders Rushwin Dortley and Aiden McCarthy, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, and midfielder Glodly Lelepo (also referred to as Glody Lilepo). However, there was good news as talented striker Khanyisa Mayo returned to action after missing three games. Gaston Sirino also made his return from suspension, replacing Ashley Du Preez, while Lebohang Maboe earned his first start, taking Thabo Cele’s spot in central midfield.

The starting lineups for the encounter were:

Kaizer Chiefs: Brandon Petersen, Dillan Solomons, Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Lebohang Maboe, Gaston Sirino, Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Etiosa Ighodaro. Substitutes: Bvuma, Mako, Monyane, Msimango, Matlou, Ngcobo, Vilakazi, Velebayi, Da Silva.

Zamalek FC: Sobhi, El-Fotouh, Abdelmaguid, Gaber, El-Wensh, Ismail, Shehata, Banza, Alvina, Maher, Jaziri. Substitutes: To be confirmed.

Zamalek, known as the White Knights, arrived with a perfect start to their campaign, having secured a 1-0 win over Zambia’s Zesco United on match day one. They also carry significant pedigree, having lifted the CAF Confederation Cup twice in recent history (2018/19 and 2023/24). Domestically, both teams showed similar form; Kaizer Chiefs had collected 22 points from 11 Betway Premiership matches, three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand, while Zamalek also had 22 points from 12 league outings, trailing Egyptian leaders Ceramica Cleopatra by seven points with one less match played.

The match itself saw Amakhosi caught off guard early on. After conceding two quick chances, Zamalek’s Seifeddine Jaziri put them ahead in the third minute. Gaston Sirino attempted a swift response with a distant volley, but his powerful effort unfortunately struck the post. Just as Zamalek appeared to have secured the three points, Kaizer Chiefs’ right-back Dillan Solomons delivered a dramatic equalizer in the fourth of nine added minutes. His intended cross was deflected into the net by goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

This result leaves Kaizer Chiefs with one point from two matches in Group C, following their opening 2-1 loss to Al Masry. Zamalek, meanwhile, moved to four points after their earlier 1-0 victory against Zesco United.