Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs secured a crucial 1-0 win away to Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.
Chiefs felt the brunt of the host from the get-go with Muaid Ellafi going close from a volley in the heart of the area before Attiat Allah dragged a loose attempt narrowly wide of range.
Wydad didn’t stop to unsettle the Amakhosi following the opening exchanges, with Ayoub El Kaabi forcing a save off goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma with a header.
However, the Amakhosi cracked the opener on 34 minutes through Nurkovic from a clever pass by Njabulo Blom, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overuling the linesman’s initial offside call.
In the second half, Wydad pushed Chiefs into their own half, forcing them to defend deep inside their own box. However, they could not crack the tight defense line.
An injury forced Yagan Sasman to make way for Philani Zulu within 61 minutes in a like-for-like substitution by the South African heavyweights.
The Soweto giants brought on Kearyn Baccus and Anthony Akumu as Chiefs remained resolute at the back to take an away goal and a lead to FNB Stadium in a week’s time.
CAF Champions League: Wydad Athletic Club vs. Kaizer Chiefs Starting 11: Bvuma, Sasman, Cardoso, Ngezana, Mathoho, Frosler, Parker ©, Katsande, Blom, Nurković, Castro Subs: Akpeyi, Baccus, Zulu, Matsheke, Kambole, Agay, Ngcobo, Mashiane, Moleko Coach: Arthur Zwane.