Kaizer Chiefs picked up a 3-1 victory over AS Simba to book a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.
Forwards Etiosa Ighodaro and Glody Lilepo stole the spotlight with a goal apiece, while defender Zitha Kwinika added the third to seal it for Amakhosi.
KAIZER CHIEFS COACH CEDRIC KAZE LAUDS HIS ATTACKING DUO
The victory was Amakhosi’s first after three draws and a defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout last 16.
In what was a second-leg meet-up, the Glamour Boys managed a 0-0 draw in Lubumbashi last weekend before completing the job in Soweto this afternoon.
According to coach Kaze, the combination of Ighodaro and Lilepo was key in creating opportunities and converting them with headers or shots on target.
“We wanted to try as well to get the front combination to get players who can give that extra pass, players who can deliver on set-pieces, players as well who can shoot,” Kaze told the media after the game.
“To have a player like Ighodaro in the box that is a striker that is physical in the air, it helps us as well. As well the speed of Lilepo you have different options,” the Burundian added.
Ighodaro, who joined Kaizer Chiefs in August after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns on a free, finally opened his account in gold and black, just a week after debuting in the goalless draw against Siwelele.
His Congolese teammate Lilepo found his second goal in 12 games after hitting the net against Kabuscorp in the same competition. Last season, the 28-year-old former AS Vita star was Kaizer Chiefs’ top goal-scorer with 10 goals in 33 games.
CAF has set 3 November 2025 as the date for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw, with Johannesburg confirmed as the host city.
NEXT MATCH FOR AMAKHOSI
In the meantime, the Soweto giants will have Monday off before returning to training on Tuesday to prepare for Durban City FC. The two sides will lock horns in the Betway Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday at 19:30.
Kaizer Chiefs sit fourth on 16 points, just a single step ahead of City, who trail close behind on 15.