Kaizer Chiefs Coach Khalil Ben Youssef Reflects on CAF Confederation Cup Defeat to Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs opened their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a 2-1 loss to Egyptian side Al Masry at Suez Stadium last Sunday. The defeat highlighted challenges for the PSL champions as they adapt to continental competition.

Chiefs fell behind just before the hour mark when Bonheur Mugusha converted a penalty after Brandon Petersen was penalised for a foul in the box. The goal gave Al Masry the lead, but Chiefs responded quickly with tactical substitutions, introducing Vilakazi for Ashley Du Preez and Asanele Velebayi for Pule Mmodi.

Dillan Solomons then produced a brilliant solo effort to level the score, and the match appeared headed for a 1-1 draw. However, in the closing minutes, a defensive lapse saw Inacio Miguel miskick an attempted clearance from a corner, allowing Mohamed Hashem to score the winning goal for the Egyptians.

Coach Khalil Ben Youssef attributed the loss to inexperience among the squad. “This was the first time that more than 80 percent of our players experienced this level of continental football. It’s very different from the PSL. Here, you must be more focused, more aggressive. At this level, matches are decided by very small details. If you lose concentration for even one second, you can concede,” he explained.

Ben Youssef added that Chiefs deserved at least a draw but stressed the importance of learning from mistakes. “We have to analyse the game, look at the positives and the negatives, and continue to work,” he said.

Kaizer Chiefs will now look to bounce back when they host Zamalek at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 15:00. The team aims to regain momentum in the group stage and secure points to improve their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.