Kabuscorp Edge Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 in CAF Confederation Cup First-Leg Clash

Luanda, Angola – 20 September 2025
Kaizer Chiefs will head back to South Africa with everything still to play for despite a narrow 1–0 defeat to Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg at the Estadio 11 de Novembro on Saturday.

The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when substitute Julio scored with his very first touch, heading home from a Jorge cross to hand Kabuscorp a slender advantage going into the return fixture.

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Chiefs Show Early Promise

Amakhosi began brightly, with Glody Lilepo testing goalkeeper Anselmo as early as the 9th minute. Pule Mmodi followed up, but his shot was blocked by a scrambling Kabuscorp defence.

Minutes later, Lilepo again went close, shooting just wide after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Chiefs dictated much of the opening exchanges, with Mduduzi Shabalala, Mmodi, Thabo Cele, and Lilepo combining well to stretch the hosts.

At the other end, Sibongiseni Mthethwa put in a commanding display in midfield, cutting out any potential danger until the 44th minute when Brandon Petersen was called upon to make his first save from a dipping effort by Sandro.

Julio Makes the Difference

The second half saw Kabuscorp raise their intensity, and they eventually broke through at the hour mark. Jorge’s lofted delivery from the left found Julio unmarked between Aiden McCarthy and Paseka Mako, and the substitute made no mistake with a well-placed header past Petersen. Chiefs almost equalised soon after, with Thabo Cele’s thunderous volley forcing Anselmo into a spectacular fingertip save that diverted the ball onto the post.

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Late Drama and Missed Chances

In the closing stages, Amakhosi pressed for the equaliser. Inacio Miguel headed a Gastón Sirino free kick wide in the 82nd minute, while stoppage time saw Jorge sent off for a dangerous elbow on Zitha Kwinika, leaving the defender bloodied. Chiefs also had a late penalty appeal waved away when Ashley Du Preez appeared to be fouled inside the box.

Everything to Play for at FNB Stadium

Despite the setback, Kaizer Chiefs will take confidence into the second leg at FNB Stadium next Saturday. With the away-goals rule in play, even a single strike at home could prove enough to turn the tie in their favour. Amakhosi’s resilience in Luanda suggests that the battle for a place in the next round is far from over.