THE FUSE

Kaizer Chiefs have moved top of Group D to stay firmly on the brink of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.

With ZESCO United shocking Zamalek 1-0 in Ndola on the same night, the pressure shifted quickly.

Kaizer Chiefs knew a win would change the group picture completely, and they responded with three points in the bag.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: KAIZER CHIEFS 2-1 AL MASRY

The breakthrough came in the first half after sustained pressure inside the Al Masry box earned Amakhosi a penalty. Flavio Da Silva showed composure and calmly converted to give Kaizer Chiefs the lead.

Al Masry came back stronger after the break and found an equaliser in the 57th minute when Abderrahim Deghmoum burst into the area, beat Given Msimango with his first touch and volleyed home with his left foot.

Just three minutes later, Lebohang Maboe floated in a dangerous free kick. Zitha Kwinika’s header caused chaos, the goalkeeper spilled it, and Aden McCarthy reacted quickest to tap in and restore the lead.

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KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF REACTION

After the match, head coach Khalil Ben Youssef was pleased but cautious, refusing to get carried away with the table standings.

“It’s a good result but we have to think about ourselves,” Youssef told SABC Sport. “We have to prepare ourselves for the trip. It is a final game, we have to prepare to fight. We hoped to finish to today.

“We played a good game, we showed even last game against Stellenbosch, it was a very nice game. We missed opportunities. I think the performances are coming step by step. The team is playing very well.

“Everyone is showing good spirit. There are very positive vibes inside,” the Kaizer Chiefs mentor concluded.

Also read: Four names: Kaizer Chiefs’ most important players this season so far

The Soweto giants now sit on 10 points, ahead of Zamalek (8), Al Masry (7) and ZESCO United (3). One final trip to Cairo remains, but for the first time in a while, Kaizer Chiefs travel knowing the job is firmly in their own hands.

HOW FAR DO YOU EXPECT KAIZER CHIEFS TO GO IN THIS TOURNAMENT?

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