Kaizer Chiefs walked away from the Democratic Republic of Congo with a valuable goalless draw against AS Simba in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round on Saturday afternoon.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the decisive return leg at home, where Amakhosi will look to make their advantage count in front of their faithful supporters.
Playing on a tricky artificial surface at the Stade TP Mazembe, Chiefs showed tactical discipline and defensive steel to frustrate the Congolese outfit, who had the backing of a passionate home crowd. Despite moments of pressure, the visitors remained composed, limiting Simba’s chances and closing out the game without conceding an important result in continental football.
The stalemate means that qualification for the next round will be decided in the return fixture on South African soil. A win at home would see Kaizer Chiefs progress, while any score draw could tilt the tie in their favour due to the away-goal rule should it apply.
All roads now lead to FNB Stadium, where Amakhosi will host AS Simba in the second leg on Saturday, 25 October, with kick-off set for 15:00.
The stage is perfectly set for an electric afternoon in Soweto as Chiefs aim to finish the job and move one step closer to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.
