Toyota Cup heartbreak for Chiefs in penalty shootout defeat to Kotoko

Kaizer Chiefs closed off their pre-season with a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was a frustrating end to a match in which Amakhosi dominated large spells but failed to convert their superiority into goals, eventually succumbing in front of a capacity crowd in Durban—one of the club’s spiritual homes.

The encounter ended goalless in regulation time despite promising signs, especially in the first half where Chiefs controlled proceedings. 

New recruits Nkanyiso Shinga, Thabiso Monyane and Flavio Silva were handed starts, with expectations high ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.

Midfield maestro Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, trusted by coach Nasreddine Nabi, ran the show alongside Thabo Cele as Chiefs zipped the ball around with confidence. 

However, the lack of a cutting edge upfront kept Kotoko in the contest.

After the break, Nabi introduced Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba in place of Cele, Mfundo Vilakazi and Silva. 

Mmodi immediately added spark to the attack, gliding past his marker before teeing up Glody Lilepo, whose poor first touch saw the chance vanish.

Chiefs appeared destined for a late winner when Mmodi was brought down inside the box in the 84th minute, earning a penalty. 

But defender Inacio Miguel sent his effort wide, leaving the thousands in attendance stunned.

With the match deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, penalties were needed to settle the tie. Chiefs missed three of their five spot kicks, and Kotoko made no mistake in capitalising.

The result, though not disastrous, is a reminder that while Chiefs may be showing signs of progress, sharpness in front of goal remains a work in progress heading into the new season.

Reflecting on the encounter after the game, Chiefs head coach Nabi Nasdreddine presented a positive figure in front of the media following what he described as a performance to be pleased about despite the conclusion. 

"It's true we had opportunities to win the game in the 90 minutes and as well as the penalty shootout and we didn't and that's why we suffered defeat but in a general sense, I was very pleased with the performance," he said. 

"We have another two weeks that we need to take full advantage off and thats exactly what we're going to do."

Amakhosi have lost five out of their six pre-season encounters following their tour of the Netherlands and have scored just two goals in the process with their forwards yet to find their footing in front of goal. 

Nabi waved away any concerns around these facts as he looked to focus more on his side's preparation rather than the final results.  

"It's friendly games, we're not going to comment much about friendly games."

Kotoko is one of the sides Chiefs may encounter in the CAF Confederation Cup this season following their triumph in the Nedbank Cup. 

Comment on the challenge of the visitors, Nabi appreciated receiving first-hand experience of that level at this early stage of the season. 

"Everyone on the continent knows what Asante Kotoko represent and what they're about so we really appreciate the competition they've given us today and it will help us in our progression."