Kaizer Chiefs kept their CAF Confederation Cup dream alive, edging Kabuscorp S.C.P. 5-4 on penalties at FNB Stadium on Saturday, after securing a crucial 1-0 win in regulation time.
Beaten 1-0 in the first leg in Luanda, Amakhosi levelled the aggregate at 1-1 through Makabi Lilepo’s 40th-minute strike. The forward reacted quickest when Kabuscorp goalkeeper spilled Dillon Solomons’ effort, firing home to ignite the home crowd.
Under interim co-head coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, Chiefs dominated possession but struggled to carve out clear chances against Beto Bianchi’s disciplined side. The visitors nearly snatched a decisive away goal in the 73rd minute, only for Brandon Petersen to pull off a superb save that kept the tie alive.
Tensions flared in the closing stages, with a scuffle breaking out before Chiefs were forced to withstand late pressure during five minutes of added time.
With the contest still deadlocked, the match went to penalties. Chiefs held their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks, while Kabuscorp faltered once—enough to seal a dramatic passage to the second preliminary round.
The Soweto giants will now face either Djabal FC of Comoros or Tanzanian heavyweights Simba SC. For Amakhosi, it was a test of character: Lilepo provided the spark, Petersen’s heroics proved vital, and their flawless penalties ensured the dream lives on.