Khalil Ben Youssef Reacts to Kaizer Chiefs' Win vs Zesco United, Shares Why He’s Disappointed

• Khalil Ben Youssef has opened up on his frustration after Kaizer Chiefs' win over ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup
• One of the Kaizer Chiefs' co-coaches was left disappointed despite the Glamour Boys' win over the Zambian giants
• The Tunisian tactician's comments sparked different opinions from Amakhosi supporters on social media after the match

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef commended his players for grinding out all three points on a challenging surface at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Amakhosi secured a historic first victory over Zambian opposition after Pule Mmodi reacted quickest to a rebound, converting after Flavio Da Silva’s header crashed against the upright early in the contest.

Beyond the opening goal, the Soweto giants struggled to manufacture clear-cut opportunities, while the hosts also found it difficult to create meaningful chances in a hard-fought encounter.

Ben Youssef shares why he was disappointed

Read also

Ndhlovu hits back at Kaizer Chiefs manager after Zesco United defeat

Reflecting on the match, Ben Youssef admitted that aesthetics were never a priority, as the team travelled with a clear objective. He explained that the focus was solely on securing maximum points rather than producing attractive football, adding that he believed the result was fully deserved.

Although pleased with the outcome, the Tunisian tactician voiced frustration over the poor state of the pitch, which he felt prevented his side from executing their usual playing style.

He noted that the surface appeared to favour Zesco United’s direct approach, whereas Chiefs rely on technical play, quick combinations and short passing sequences. According to Ben Youssef, the conditions forced his team to abandon their preferred style and adopt a more direct approach, something that does not naturally suit them.

Ben Youssef hails Kaizer Chiefs players

Nevertheless, he reserved special praise for his players, applauding their commitment, resilience and willingness to battle under difficult circumstances.

The Tunisian tactician concluded by reiterating that the team arrived in Ndola with one mission — to win — and credited the squad for fighting hard and earning a result they thoroughly deserved.

Here is what fans are saying about Ben Youssef's comments after the game on social media.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs make history with CAF Confederation Cup victory over Zesco United

Thandabantu Mdandulukane shared:

"Now all chiefs need to do is to win 1 and draw 1 against Masry and Zamalek because everyone will get 6 points from Zesco United."

Lumz De Baba responded:

"The pitch is horrible, it needs players who are used to playing grassroots football, or probably runners and catch them on the counter... This game demands a change of approach."

iTouchCandi implied:

"Thanks, Coach. That’s exactly what we need. Results come first. Good football is nice, but without wins, it means absolutely nothing."

Thabang said:

"Don’t worry, my coach, Coach Kaze, has already told them that they will comeback n apologise to you guys at the end of the season."

Sising Phaahla added:

"This is the kind of football Gavin Hunt played and reached the semis with KC. Same fans saying this is Haram tells that Ngcobo n mashiane performed well in this cup. So they excel in Haram football?"

Read also

Car plunges off Chapman's Peak Drive onto rocks below, rescuers work to free trapped occupants

Chiefs star set to join PSL rivals

Briefly News also reported that a Kaizer Chiefs star is closing in on joining another Premier Soccer League club this January.

The South African international has had limited playing time this season, and a move away from the club in the second half of the campaign could be beneficial to him.

Source: Briefly News