Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp – Kaizer Chiefs face a do-or-die clash against Angolan side Kabuscorp in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round this weekend. After suffering a shock 1-0 defeat in Luanda, Amakhosi will have to overturn the deficit at FNB Stadium on Saturday to keep their continental hopes alive.
High Stakes at FNB Stadium
Julio’s decisive header just after the hour mark gave Kabuscorp the advantage in the first leg, leaving Chiefs with everything to play for in front of their home fans. Amakhosi, who started the 2025/26 campaign strongly, have stumbled in recent weeks. The club has been rocked by off-field turbulence, with contract termination talks ongoing regarding head coach Nasreddine Nabi. In his absence, assistants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have taken charge.
Domestically, Chiefs suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United before returning from Angola to register a flat 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants. These results have placed extra pressure on the team heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp: Kick-Off and Broadcast Details
Supporters can catch the action live:
- Date: Saturday, 27 September
- Kick-Off: 15:00 CAT
- Venue: FNB Stadium
- Where to Watch: SABC 2
Chiefs Face Away-Goal Threat
Chiefs’ failure to score an away goal could prove critical. Under CAF rules, away goals are the first tie-breaker. Should Kabuscorp score in Johannesburg, Chiefs would need at least three goals to progress. Defensive discipline will be crucial if they are to keep their campaign alive.
Team News and Rotation Plans
Khanyisa Mayo found the net for Chiefs in midweek but will be unavailable after missing the CAF registration deadline. The 1-1 draw against Gallants saw heavy squad rotation, with Bradley Cross, Reeve Frosler, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Gastón Sirino, and Ashley Du Preez all earning starts. More changes are expected for the second leg, as Chiefs juggle domestic and continental duties with a thinner squad than their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Meanwhile, Happy Mashiane and Samkelo Zwane have departed on loan, trimming the available options for the coaching duo. The responsibility will fall on the likes of Gastón Sirino and Flávio da Silva to spark Chiefs’ attack. Da Silva has scored twice in three appearances since joining from Persebaya Surabaya and will be a key figure once again.
Expected Line-Ups
Kabuscorp:
Anselmo – Zamorano, Ady Boyo, Bayala, Ngoyi – Sandro, Abidal, Jorge – Henock, Julio, Beny
Kaizer Chiefs:
Brandon Peterson – Paseka Mako, Aden McCarthy, Inácio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika – Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele – Pule Mmodi, Gastón Sirino, Makabi Lilepo – Flávio da Silva
Chiefs’ Continental Struggles
Amakhosi have an uneven record in CAF competitions. They were knocked out in the play-off round of this tournament in 2014 and 2018-19, losing to ASEC Mimosas and Zesco United respectively. They were also banned from CAF competitions in 2009 after withdrawing in 2005. Their sole continental triumph remains the African Cup Winners’ Cup title in 2001.
Everything to Play For
Saturday’s clash is set to be a tense affair, with Chiefs desperate to avoid another early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup. An early goal could settle nerves, while the crowd at FNB Stadium will be expected to play the role of the 12th man. If Amakhosi can find their rhythm and keep a clean sheet, they have a real chance of turning the tie around.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Eye 2nd-Leg Comeback in Crucial CAF Showdown with Kabuscorp
