OPINION: Can Red Arrows pierce through Kaizer Chiefs to reach CAF CC group stage?

Red Arrows will have history on their side when they face South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup next month.

Although Chiefs bring continental experience to the tie, better than the Zambian side, Red Arrows.

Chiefs have faced Zambian clubs six times in continental competition, winning only twice, with the other four encounters ending in defeats or draws.

Chief’s first encounter with a Zambian side came in 2020 against Nchanga Rangers when the competition was known as the CAF Cup.

Nchanga Rangers stunned the South African side, winning 2-0 away before holding them to a goalless draw in the return leg.

Chiefs again found themselves on the wrong side of a Zambian challenge in the 2018/19 Confederation Cup when Zesco United eliminated them after winning both legs.

Zesco secured a 3-1 victory in the first leg before completing the job with a 2-1 win in South Africa.

Chiefs eventually got some measure of revenge last season when they beat Zesco 1-0 in both group-stage meetings of the Confederation Cup.

However, the overall record remains one that Arrows can draw encouragement from ahead of their first-ever meeting with a South African club.

Kaiser Chiefs – image courtesy Chiefs’ Facebook page.

In fact, the wider record between clubs from the two countries also shows that South African teams have not dominated their Zambian counterparts in continental competition.

Of the 24 previous meetings, South African clubs have won eight, while 10 have ended in draws and Zambian sides have claimed six victories.