Amakhosi Brace for Al Masry Test in First-Ever Meeting
Kaizer Chiefs begin their CAF Confederation Cup group stage journey with a difficult away test against Egyptian side Al Masry. Both clubs enter Group D with something to prove in a pool that also includes Zamalek—twice winners of this competition—and Zesco United, who are tough customers at home in Ndola.
This is the first-ever meeting between Chiefs and Al Masry. The Egyptians are seasoned campaigners in the Confederation Cup, having reached the semifinals three times, most recently in 2018. Chiefs haven’t won this tournament before but do boast continental silverware in the form of the 2001 African Cup Winners’ Cup.
The match also serves as a key test for Chiefs’ co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who are in charge until the end of the season and keen to strengthen their case for long-term appointments.
Chiefs travel in good form, riding three straight victories, including a dominant 3–1 win over AS Simba in the last CAFCC round. Before departing, the club named a 22-man squad—with Gaston Sirino suspended and Khanyisa Mayo the only injury concern. Al Masry, meanwhile, come into the match with limited attacking rhythm, having produced three consecutive goalless draws recently.
Players to Watch
Kaizer Chiefs
Mduduzi Shabalala – Creative spark behind Chiefs’ improved recent form.
Mfundo Vilakazi – Skillful, unpredictable and dangerous when running at defenders.
Brandon Petersen – A clean sheet in Egypt could define Chiefs’ group-stage momentum.
Al Masry
Salah Mohsen – Leading scorer in the Egyptian Premier League; major threat in the box.
Form Guide
Kaizer Chiefs: WWW (strong wins, improved confidence, attacking balance)
Al Masry: D D D W (lack of goals but solid defensively)
Score Prediction
Al Masry 1–1 Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs’ recent form and South African clubs’ strong away record in Egypt suggest they can secure a valuable point.
Expected Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI
GK: Brandon Petersen
RB: Dillan Solomons
CB: Inacio Miguel
CB: Zitha Kwinika
LB: Bradley Cross
DM: Sibongiseni Mthethwa
CM: Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
LW: Asanele Velebayi
RW: Mfundo Vilakazi
AM: Mduduzi Shabalala
ST: Etiosa Ighodaro
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