Kaizer Chiefs Make History As They Defeat Zesco United in CAF Confederation Cup
- Kaizer Chiefs have made history on the continental stage after defeating ZESCO United in their third group game in the CAF Confederation Cup
- The Premier Soccer League giants headed into the match without a win in the group phase of the competition this season
- The victory boosted the Glamour Boys' chances of qualifying for the next stage of the competition, as they would host the Zambians in the second leg
Kaizer Chiefs marked a significant milestone on Sunday by securing their first-ever victory over a Zambian opponent, edging ZESCO United in a CAF Confederation Cup encounter on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Source: Twitter
Having fallen to ZESCO in the playoff round of the 2018/19 campaign and previously failed to register a win against any Zambian side, Amakhosi finally broke the trend with a valuable away result at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
South African winger Pule Mmodi scored an early goal in the first half, which proved to be decisive for the Soweto giants as they took back all three points to South Africa.
They were without a win in the group phase of the CAF Confederation Cup this season after losing to Al Masry in their first match and also playing out a 1-1 draw against Zamalek.
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Kaizer Chiefs beat ZESCO United in Zambia
The Soweto giants made the ideal start when a corner was met by summer signing Flavio Da Silva, whose header was parried by goalkeeper Philip Sakauta, allowing Pule Mmodi to react quickest and slot home the rebound.
Beyond the early breakthrough, the opening half offered little excitement. Chiefs controlled possession and tempo but struggled to carve out clear chances, while effectively limiting the hosts’ attacking threat.
ZESCO head coach Mathews Ndhlovu raised eyebrows by making a double change before half-time, withdrawing Peter Musukuma and Vitalis Ganter for Derrick Obame and Emmanuel Mwanza.
Chiefs also adjusted their lineup at the interval, as Glody Lilepo was introduced in place of Khanyisa Mayo, who had a quiet first half.
The hosts came close shortly after the restart when Amine Hiver struck a fierce effort in the 57th minute, but the shot narrowly missed Brandon Petersen’s post.
Source: Twitter
Clear-cut chances remained scarce for the remainder of the contest, with Chiefs maintaining their defensive shape to keep ZESCO at bay. The home side threatened late on, but Petersen was alert, rushing off his line to smother a chance from Mwanza.
The narrow victory lifted Amakhosi to four points in the group, keeping them third on goal difference alongside Zamalek and two points adrift of leaders Al Masry, with the Egyptian rivals due to meet later in the day.
What's next for Kaizer Chiefs?
Attention now shifts to the return fixture, as Chiefs prepare to host ZESCO United in South Africa next week at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
But before hosting the Zambian side in South Africa, they will need to good result when they face Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
A win against Alexandre Lafitte's side for Amakhosi would boost their chances in the Betway Premiership title race this season, with both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates leading the race.
Kaizer Chiefs duo joins PSL side
Briefly News also reported that two Kaizer Chiefs youngsters have joined another Premier Soccer League side for the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Amakhosi are yet to make any signings in the January transfer window, but have let go of some of their academy products.
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Source: Briefly News
