Ben Youssef rues missed chances as Kaizer Chiefs held in Lubumbashi

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Khalil Ben Youssef expressed a mix of satisfaction and frustration following his side’s goalless draw against AS Simba in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Saturday.

Despite not finding the back of the net, the coach believes the team successfully executed their game plan, though they were ultimately unlucky on the day. The match took place on the synthetic turf at TP Mazembe Stadium, a factor that Ben Youssef argued affected the team’s performance, as Chiefs struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar playing surface.

“On this kind of pitch, you can’t play. We were only playing long balls like them because it’s difficult to manage with this kind of pitch,” Ben Youssef remarked, after the match.

His sentiments reflected the challenges faced by players accustomed to a different style of play.

Striker Khanyisa Mayo almost broke the deadlock when his shot hit the post in the first half, while substitute Ashley du Preez’s missed opportunity — shooting over an empty goal – further exemplified Chiefs’ misfortune. Mfundo Vilakazi’s powerful free-kick also drew a superb save, leaving the players yearning for more from the match.

Despite limited experience in continental competitions, AS Simba showed resilience, proving they could match the storied Chiefs. The clash set the stage for an intriguing second leg, which will take place next Saturday at Dobsonville Stadium.

Should Chiefs secure a scoring draw, AS Simba could still fancy their chances thanks to the away goals rule, putting added pressure on the iconic South African club.

Addressing his players’ preparation, Ben Youssef highlighted the importance of mental readiness.

“We’ve prepared our players beforehand about the situation, and they knew it would be a tough game. First, we must not concede, and we know that they will take a lot of risks,” he explained, outlining the tactical foresight behind their strategy.

Looking ahead, Chiefs face a packed schedule, including a match against Siwelele FS on Wednesday. The coach acknowledged the tough road that lies ahead.

“We will find time to analyse the game and prepare our team for the next one. Our target is to reach the group stage and manage each game as it comes to keep our fans proud,” Ben Youssef said.

As the return leg approaches, the question remains whether Kaizer Chiefs can shake off the disappointment of missed opportunities and make the most of their home advantage to book a place in the next round of the competition.