Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana and his team, FCSB, have been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds.
Their aspirations of booking their spot in Europe’s most coveted club competition were ended on Wednesday evening after a 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonian champions KF Shkëndija, following a 1-0 loss in the first leg away from home.
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Ngezana, a Bafana Bafana international, played for 75 minutes in the decisive match. FCSB initially took the lead in the 28th minute, offering a glimmer of hope.
Nevertheless, Shkëndija quickly responded, leveling the score just five minutes later. As FCSB pushed forward in search of a winning goal, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Shkëndija capitalized on these spaces, delivering a “sucker punch” in the 87th minute that sealed FCSB’s fate.
Europa League Beckons for Ngezana and FCSB
The Champions League exit means FCSB will now drop into the third qualification round for the UEFA Europa League. They are set to face Football Superleague of Kosovo champions Football Club Drita over two legs.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for FCSB. Last season, they had an extensive run in European competition, navigating three qualifying rounds for the Champions League before ultimately dropping into the Europa League.
Their 2024/25 league campaign saw them finish in 11th place, leading to a knockout phase play-off. There, they impressively defeated Greek giants PAOK 4-1 on aggregate. Due to the predetermined pairings based on league positions, FCSB faced a tough draw against either Olympique Lyon or Eintracht Frankfurt, ultimately being drawn against the French side.
Siyabonga Ngezana and FCSB’s journey in the UEFA Europa League last season concluded dramatically in the Last-16. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at home before being comprehensively beaten 4-0 in France by Olympique Lyon, bringing an end to their European campaign.