By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Kaizer Chiefs.
Zambia’s Red Arrows eliminated Kaizer Chiefs from the CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 after winning 3-2 on penalties in their Second Preliminary Round return leg in Durban on Friday evening.
Chiefs won the match 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium through Bradley Cross’s second-half header, but the result only levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate after Red Arrows had won the first leg by the same scoreline in Zambia.
The visitors held their nerve in the ensuing penalty shootout to secure a memorable qualification for the group stage and condemn the South African side to an early continental exit.
Cross struck in the 65th minute to give Chiefs hope of completing a comeback, but the hosts failed to convert several opportunities to win the tie before the final whistle.
The result represents a significant achievement for Red Arrows, who arrived in Durban with a narrow advantage following Alassane Diarra’s winner in the first leg.
Chiefs dominated possession and created several chances as they attempted to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters.
Arrows adopted a disciplined defensive approach, absorbing pressure and seeking opportunities to counterattack as the home side struggled to turn their dominance into goals.
The Zambian side successfully protected the aggregate draw, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout.
Arrows then prevailed 3-2 from the spot to complete one of the notable results of the Second Preliminary Round and secure their place among the 16 clubs competing in the group stage.
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