Kaizer Chiefs must be clinical to overturn Kabuscorp loss, says Kaze

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze believes sharper finishing in the final third will be the key to overturning their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie against Angolan outfit Kabuscorp.

Amakhosi slipped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Saturday night, conceding to second-half substitute Julio despite dominating large parts of the game.

It was Chiefs’ second defeat of the week and a performance that once again underlined their struggles in front of goal. Speaking afterwards, Kaze insisted that the tie remains alive and will be settled in Johannesburg next weekend when the two sides meet again at FNB Stadium.

“We were expecting a lot of long balls and aerial duels, but we know we can still hurt them in the second leg,” said Kaze. “We had a couple of opportunities, but we simply need to be more clinical when we face them again.”

Chiefs controlled both halves, enjoying possession and pinning Kabuscorp back for long periods, but lacked the killer instinct when chances fell their way. 

That wastefulness proved costly when Julio capitalised to give the Angolan League Cup champions the advantage heading into the return fixture.

Kaze explained that Chiefs had specifically prepared for Kabuscorp’s direct approach, only to be undone in the crucial moments.

“We tried to warn the players about the opponent’s aerial threat,” he said, lamenting the lapse that led to the decisive goal.

The match also had its share of controversy, with Amakhosi denied what looked like two strong penalty shouts. 

Godly Lilepo went down inside the box late on and was forced off injured, while substitute Ashley du Preez also appeared to be fouled in the area. Kaze, however, refused to be drawn into criticising the officiating.

“At the end, there were a couple of opportunities that could have possibly led to a penalty, although I didn’t really see the incident,” he explained. 

“I will not say anything about the referee, that is not my job, my focus is on my team.”

Despite the setback, Kaze cut a measured figure. His belief is that with more composure in front of goal and the backing of their supporters at FNB Stadium, Chiefs have what it takes to turn the tie around.

Amakhosi will, however, have to dig deep. The pressure is mounting after an inconsistent start to the season and the uncertainty surrounding head coach Nasreddine Nabi. 

For the players, the second leg offers a chance to steady the ship and keep their continental ambitions intact. Kaze’s message is simple: Chiefs must back their dominance with goals if they are to avoid another early exit from Africa.