Kaizer Chiefs secured a valuable result in the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday, battling AS Simba to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie.
The performance yielded a crucial away clean sheet, leaving the tie perfectly poised for the return leg next week.
The result is a significant tactical victory for Amakhosi, who were playing at the formidable TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.
Read: Bernard Parker Slams Mike Makaab Over Bitter Kaizer Chiefs Exit
They now return to Johannesburg knowing they control their destiny, with the decisive second leg scheduled for October 26th at Dobsonville Stadium.
Tactical Discipline Under Pressure
Interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef made two key changes to the lineup that had recently lost to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout.
Brandon Petersen returned to the starting lineup in goal, replacing Fiacre Ntwari, while Siphesihle Ndlovu recovered from injury to start in midfield ahead of Mduduzi Shabalala.
Chiefs faced a predictably physical and direct AS Simba side but maintained excellent discipline throughout the contest.
The visitors managed to create the best chance of the half when new signing Khanyisa Mayo unleashed a powerful long-range strike just before the half an hour mark that violently rattled the crossbar, leaving the home defense momentarily stunned.
AS Simba thought they had found the breakthrough later in the first half, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
Petersen’s Saves Seal the Clean Sheet
The second half saw the Congolese side increase the pressure, testing the resolve of the Chiefs defense. Around the 70th minute, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen proved his worth by being forced into two sharp saves in quick succession, ensuring the score line remained level.
While clear chances were few and far between for Chiefs, they grew more dangerous in the final quarter as fresh legs were introduced. Substitutes Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabo Cele injected much-needed energy into the midfield.
The closest the team came to stealing a late winner was through young talent Mfundo Vilakazi, whose well-struck free-kick in the dying minutes was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Simba goalkeeper Dida Fatao.
At the back, captain Given Kwinika and center-back partner Inacio Miguel were instrumental, leading a superb defensive effort that ensured Amakhosi traveled home unscathed.
The 0-0 draw was a testament to the team’s defensive grit and tactical awareness—a disciplined, no-frills performance.
With the crucial away goal rule now working in their favour, Chiefs are strongly placed to secure progression to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in front of their home supporters next weekend.