By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Sourced
Johannesburg — Sunday, 25 January 2026
Kaizer Chiefs produced a composed and disciplined performance to defeat Zesco United 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter on Sunday, securing an important victory in their continental campaign.
Under the guidance of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, Amakhosi showed tactical maturity and defensive resilience to edge past the Zambian champions, with a second-half strike proving the difference between the two sides.
Match Summary
- Final Score: Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 Zesco United
- Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
- Competition: CAF Interclub Fixture
- Possession: Chiefs 54% | Zesco United 46%
- Shots on Target: Chiefs 5 | Zesco 3
- Corners: Chiefs 5 | Zesco 4
The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when Ashley Du Preez calmly finished off a well-constructed attacking move, capitalising on sustained pressure from the Soweto giants.
Tactical Discipline Wins the Day
Chiefs dominated key phases of the match, with midfield generals Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala controlling tempo and disrupting Zesco’s build-up play. The backline, marshalled by Given Msimango, remained compact and organised, denying the visitors clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma delivered a confident performance between the posts, producing a crucial late save to preserve Chiefs’ clean sheet as Zesco pushed for an equaliser.
Zesco United, coached by George Lwandamina, showed flashes of quality but struggled to break down Chiefs’ structured defence, despite late attacking substitutions aimed at turning the match around.
Coach’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi praised his side’s discipline and game management:
“This was a very important win for us. The players showed maturity, patience, and belief. In continental football, you must know how to suffer and stay focused — and today we did exactly that.”
A Boost for Amakhosi’s Campaign
The victory strengthens Chiefs’ position in the competition and reinforces their growing confidence under Nabi’s leadership. With momentum building and defensive stability improving, Amakhosi will now look to carry this form into their upcoming fixtures.
For the supporters, it was a performance that reflected grit, structure, and progress — qualities that will be vital as Kaizer Chiefs continue their pursuit of continental success.
