Alassane Diarra stuns Kaizer Chiefs with 77th-minute winner in Zambia

The match was decided in the 77th minute when Red Arrows skipper Alassane Diarra found the back of the net. This late strike broke the deadlock at a scorching hot Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, providing the Zambian side with a slender advantage heading into the return leg. The fixture took place under intense conditions, testing both sides as they competed for a spot in the upcoming group stage of the continental tournament. For Kaizer Chiefs, the result represents a difficult setback as they navigate a challenging start to their Confederation Cup campaign, having been forced to manage a squad affected by recent injuries. Head coach Fernando Da Cruz had previously described Red Arrows as a powerful team that excels at playing on the transition, a trait that proved decisive in this opening encounter. While Red Arrows have historically never reached the group stages of either the CAF Champions League or the Confederation Cup, their victory on home soil puts them in a strong position to potentially make club history. Kaizer Chiefs are now tasked with overcoming the one-goal deficit in front of their own supporters. The pressure will be on the South African side to overturn this result to keep their continental ambitions alive. The two teams will meet again for the decisive second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This second fixture is scheduled for this coming Friday evening at 18:00, where the final spot in the group stage will be determined.