By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 2-1 defeat to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC in their last CAF Confederation Cup group stage tie at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia on Saturday night.
The result means Chiefs bow out of the CAF Confederation Cup after Al Masry beat ZESCO United 2-0.
Zamalek finished top of Group D, with Al Masry advancing to the quarter-finals, thanks to their superior goal difference.
Chiefs did finish first half on a stronger note with Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu moving the ball around quite nicely, while Flavio Da Silva was proving to be a much better outlet on the ball although they were unable to trouble Zamalek goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman.
Chiefs’ resistance broke eight minutes after the halftime break when Given Msimango’s clearance fell straight to Nasser Mansy, who raced down the byline before picking out Juan Alvina, who headed past Brandon Petersen at the near post.
The Egyptians doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Abdallah El Said collected a reverse pass from Mohamed Hamad before rifling the ball into the far corner, leaving Petersen with no chance.
The visitors did manage to reduce the deficit four minutes later Glody Lilepo rose above his marker to meet a corner from Lebogang Maboe before sending a towering header into the back of the net.