Kaizer Chiefs have been eliminated from the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Zambia’s Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night.
Chiefs won the second-leg encounter 1-0, thanks to Bradley Cross’s second-half header, but the result was not enough to secure qualification for the group stage as the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate.
Red Arrows had won the first leg 1-0 in Zambia, with Alassane Diarra scoring the decisive goal.
The Zambian side held their nerve in the penalty shootout to book their place in the group stage, dealing a major blow to Amakhosi’s hopes of making an impact on the continental stage.
Chiefs, under coach Fernando da Cruz, dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities but struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Thulani Mabaso threatened early in the first half with a powerful effort that forced the Red Arrows goalkeeper into a save.
Pule Mmodi also missed a promising headed opportunity at the far post, while Wandile Duba failed to capitalise after breaking through on goal.
Chiefs continued to push for an equaliser on aggregate after the break, with Da Cruz introducing Mfundo Vilakazi before the hour mark to strengthen the attack.
The substitution paid off in the 65th minute when Vilakazi delivered a free-kick that Cross headed into the net to give the home side the lead.
With the aggregate score level, Chiefs pressed for a second goal that would have secured their passage to the next round without the need for penalties.
However, Mduduzi Shabalala failed to convert an opportunity created by substitute Ethan Chislett, directing his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Chislett later set up another chance for Velebayi, who sent his attempt over the crossbar as Chiefs continued to waste opportunities.
Red Arrows remained disciplined defensively and introduced Ricky Banda and Norris Kalamba as they sought to withstand the pressure and take the match to penalties.
The visitors ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the shootout to secure their place among the 16 teams competing in the Confederation Cup group stage.
For Chiefs, the defeat marks an early end to their continental campaign despite securing a victory in the second leg.
Red Arrows will now turn their attention to the group stage, which is scheduled to begin in November.
