Red Arrows have secured a 1-0 victory over South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie.

The Airmen claimed the win thanks to an Alassane Diarra header in the 76th minute.

Red Arrows dominated much of the first half, creating several promising opportunities. Akeem Mumba and Eliya Mandanji both came close to breaking the deadlock, but their efforts failed to find the back of the net.

Kaizer Chiefs improved after the break but struggled to translate their possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities in the final third.

In the 53rd minute, Sibongiseni Mthethwa came closest to putting the visitors ahead, but his effort was well saved by Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba to keep the scores level.

Chiefs grew in confidence as the second half progressed, enjoying more possession and looking increasingly threatening. Mfundo Vilakazi was particularly influential on the right flank, creating opportunities for the visitors, but Red Arrows remained disciplined defensively.

The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Red Arrows capitalised on a corner kick, with Diarra rising highest to head home the winning goal.

The result gives the Zambian side a slender advantage ahead of the return leg, which will be played next Friday in South Africa.

Red Arrows will now look to build on their first-leg victory and secure progression to the next round, while Kaizer Chiefs will be aiming to overturn the deficit on home soil.