Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side must score first as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Friday.
Amakhosi host the Zambian side at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with a place in the 2026/27 competition’s group stage at stake.
Chiefs lost the first leg in Ndola after conceding from a corner late in the match. Da Cruz believes his team has the quality to turn the tie around but says securing the opening goal will be crucial.
“It is imperative for us to score the first goal tomorrow and afterwards, depending on the game situation, we will think about the second goal. However, it all hinges on getting the first goal,” Da Cruz said.
Captain Inacio Miguel has also backed the team to recover, insisting that the first-leg defeat does not reflect the overall performance.
“We conceded from a set piece, which is part of the game, but in general play I think we managed them quite well, only to lose concentration at one corner, which was costly,” Miguel said.
He added that Chiefs have already shown this season that they can turn a tie around.
Da Cruz acknowledged the pressure that comes with coaching one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs, saying he remains focused on improving the team’s performances and meeting supporters’ expectations.
The French coach also pointed to injuries affecting the squad, while urging fans to rally behind the team during the crucial encounter.
“I understand that fans can be disappointed but it is always important to analyse the context; we have some important players out injured,” he said.
Miguel echoed the call for support, describing the fans as the team’s “12th man” and urging them to stand behind the players from the first whistle to the last.
Meanwhile, Da Cruz dismissed concerns about an exchange between Reeve Frosler and Renaldo Leaner after the final whistle in Ndola, saying there was no issue between the players.
The match kicks off at 6pm on Friday, at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
