Red Arrows claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Saturday, taking a slender advantage into next week’s decisive return fixture in Johannesburg.
The Airmen secured the win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola thanks to a second-half strike from Alassane Diarra, whose 76th-minute goal proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
With the match finely balanced, Diarra stepped up to deliver the breakthrough that handed Red Arrows an important home victory against one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. The Zambian side will now travel to Johannesburg knowing that the first-leg result gives them an opportunity to fight for a place in the lucrative group stage.
However, the job is far from complete. Kaizer Chiefs will have home advantage in the return leg and will be determined to overturn the deficit when the two sides meet again on Friday.
For Red Arrows, the challenge will be to protect their advantage while remaining competitive in the return fixture. Progression would mark a significant step in their continental campaign, but they must navigate another difficult encounter before securing qualification.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for next Friday in Johannesburg, with the winner over the two legs advancing to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
