Chaos in Polokwane: Chiefs Steal a Draw in the 96th Minute
Kaizer Chiefs produced one of the most dramatic finishes of their continental campaign, rescuing a priceless 1–1 draw against Zamalek SC with a stoppage-time equaliser at a roaring New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
For 95 minutes, it looked like another bitter chapter in Chiefs’ complicated CAFCC journey. For 95 minutes, Zamalek controlled the tempo, exposed Chiefs’ fragility, and carved out chances that should have buried the match long before the final whistle.
But in the 96th minute, chaos turned to salvation.
A comeback wrapped in chaos and controversy
With the game slipping away, Dillon Solomons floated a routine cross into the box — more hopeful than threatening. Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi stretched to collect it… and inexplicably spilled the ball through his hands and over the line.
A stunned silence became an explosion. Chiefs, battered, bruised, and second-best for long stretches, had snatched a lifeline from the jaws of certain defeat.
It was Solomons’ second goal in as many CAFCC matches — both born from opposition errors — and arguably the most important moment of Chiefs’ continental season so far.
Another nightmare start for Amakhosi
The match began in disastrous fashion. Inside three minutes, Brandon Petersen misjudged a corner, Inacio Miguel’s clearance was weak, and Zamalek’s Seifeddine Jaziri curled home the opener with ease.
Panic rippled through the stadium. Chiefs were shell-shocked, and Zamalek sensed blood.
Moments later, Gastón Sirino nearly equalised with a sensational attempt from the halfway line — beating the goalkeeper but not the post. But the early promise quickly faded as both Sirino and Bradley Cross limped off with injuries inside the first 20 minutes, forcing an unwanted tactical reshuffle.
Zamalek smelt opportunity and nearly punished Chiefs again when Jaziri found the net for a second time, only for the officials to disallow it for a marginal push on Miguel.
Defensive chaos, narrow escapes, and a miracle ending
Miguel — whose error last week cost Chiefs against Al Masry — lived dangerously again, but he redeemed himself early in the second half with a desperate goal-line clearance that kept Chiefs alive.
Still, Zamalek dominated the clearer chances, quicker to react, stronger in duels, and more threatening in transition. Chiefs struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities, with Sobhi largely untested until his catastrophic late error.
And then, football showed its cruelty — and its magic.
A tame cross. A fatal mistake. A stadium reborn.
Chiefs celebrated as if they’d won. Zamalek collapsed as if they’d lost.
Group standings and the road ahead
The result leaves Group D wide open:
Al Masry – 6 points
Zamalek – 4 points
Kaizer Chiefs – 1 point
Only the top two advance. Chiefs remain in the fight — but everything now hinges on their post-AFCON clash against ZESCO United.
Before continental duties resume, Amakhosi face two crucial league fixtures away to Chippa United and TS Galaxy.
A draw that feels like a victory? Perhaps.
A turning point? Possibly.
A warning that Chiefs are miles from their best? Definitely.
But for now, Amakhosi breathe again.