Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe says it will be important for the team to start on a high note and exploit Zesco United’s defensive frailties when the two teams meet in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage clash on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
Chiefs will host Zesco at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, having won the first leg 1-0 – courtesy of Pule Mmodi’s early goal – in Ndola a week ago.
Amakhosi need all three points to ensure that they keep their chances of progressing to the knockout stage alive. At the moment, they are third in Group D with four points, one and three points behind second- and first-placed Zamalek and Al Masry respectively, who held each other to a draw last weekend.
Maboe Stresses Importance Of The Clash
Maboe, speaking to the club’s media team ahead of their trip to Durban following a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, highlighted the importance of the clash against the Zambian-based side.
“It’s going to be a very important game for us,” Maboe acknowledged. “We also need the points to get out of the group stage. It won’t be an easy game. They are an awkward team to play against, but I believe in the depth that we have.”
Chiefs showed their depth, grit and resilience by coming away with all three points in Ndola. They were not allowed to play their traditional build-up football due to the bumpy pitch, while the hosts remained compact for most of the game, waiting to catch Amakhosi on the break and through counter-attacks.
Home Conditions Could Favour Chiefs
With Moses Mabhida Stadium expected to offer better pitch conditions than Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, and Chiefs set to be buoyed by a strong home crowd in familiar surroundings, Maboe expects his team to play better football and produce results.
“I think they are awkward to play against,” Maboe reiterated. “They are a team that plays long balls, plays for second balls and wants to fight. So, for us, since we are going to be playing on a much better pitch, we need to frustrate them by keeping possession.
“We need to find pockets. They seem to open up later in the game when they are chasing, so I think we need an early goal. It’s going to be a different game from the first leg because they are going to need to come out eventually.”
Chiefs are not only eager to beat Zesco to remain in contention for a spot in the knockout round, but they are also keen to continue their bright start to the year. Amakhosi have won all three matches since the restart – two in the league and one on the continent.
League Form Boosts Confidence
Their impressive league form, which has seen them go nine matches unbeaten, has elevated them to second place in the standings with 30 points, two behind log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Amid the optimism surrounding their title ambitions – having last finished second in 2020 – Maboe has urged calm heads within the squad.
“We’ve had a very positive start to the New Year. Collectively, we have been working hard and doing well, which is positive,” Maboe said. “We’ve been collecting points, so right now it’s about keeping our feet on the ground and continuing to work hard.”
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