Can Kaizer Chiefs conquer their toughest Confederation Cup challenges yet?

Kaizer Chiefs’ promising start to the season is set to face a stern test as they approach what could be the most challenging phase of their 2025/26 campaign so far.

Amakhosi are gearing up for a crucial phase of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, starting with a group-stage clash in Egypt against Al Masry later this month.

The Soweto giants booked their place in the group stage after navigating the second preliminary round, securing a 3-1 second-leg victory over Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Simba. Their strong aggregate performance over the two legs confirmed their progression to this stage.

This will be Chiefs’ first continental group stage since their 2021 CAF Champions League campaign, where they reached the final but lost 3-0 to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. While they have previously contested the play-offs of the Confed Cup, this is the first time they have successfully made the group stages, following two prior unsuccessful attempts in the play-offs.

Here, we break down the three opponents Amakhosi will face in their group and the challenges each could potentially present.

Al Masry (Egypt)

The Egyptian outfit progressed past Libyan Premier League side Al-Ittihad with a 2-1 aggregate win and will offer Chiefs their first continental challenge as they travel to Port Said, hoping to start their campaign on a positive note.

Currently fifth in the Egyptian Premier League, Al Masry have consistently been strong contenders in the Confederation Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in each of their last three appearances, including last season.

Their best-ever performance came with a semi-final loss to DR Congo’s AS Vita, 4-0 on aggregate. Their experience and familiarity with the competition will make them a difficult first hurdle for Amakhosi.

Zamalek (Egypt)

Egyptian giants Zamalek enter the group stages as one of the favourites, thanks to their formidable continental reputation.

Despite not yet playing in this season’s group stages, the five-time CAF Champions League winners are a major threat. History, however, is not always decisive — last season, Zamalek suffered a 1-0 aggregate defeat to South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC in the quarter-finals.

Chiefs will approach their clash with confidence, knowing results against the Egyptians are possible. Zamalek’s victory in the 2023/24 Confederation Cup edition further cements their credentials, while their massive fanbase ensures they remain a formidable opponent.

Zesco United (Zambia)

Zesco United earned their spot in the group stages with a 4-3 aggregate win over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy. This will be only the third time the Ndola-based club has reached this stage, following appearances in 2017 and 2019.

Domestically, Zesco have struggled this season, sitting 11th in the 18-team Zambian Super League, with three losses and one draw in their last four matches. Their meeting with Chiefs, scheduled for the end of January, gives them time to regroup, but the Soweto giants will aim to exploit any weaknesses and assert their dominance when the two sides meet.

Two of their first three fixtures will be away for the Soweto giants, and despite the challenges ahead, securing a positive start on the road will be crucial for the rest of their campaign.