Zambia win just the start: Kaizer Chiefs aim to build momentum for Zamalek showdown

Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has stressed the importance of experience and patience after his side secured a vital away victory against Zesco United in Zambia, a result that breathed new life into their CAF group-stage campaign.

The win marked Amakhosi’s first set of three points in the competition and lifted them to third in the group standings. Chiefs now sit a single point behind second-placed Zamalek and three adrift of leaders Al Masry after three matchdays, keeping qualification firmly within reach.

For Ben Youssef, the significance of the result went beyond the points. He emphasised that the current campaign is as much about growth as it is about results, particularly for a squad largely unfamiliar with continental football.

“From the beginning, as a club we said that we’ve been out of CAF competition for five years so for 80% of this squad, it’s the first time being in this kind of competition so for us the most important thing they’ll win is the experience with this competition,” he said.

Chiefs’ return to the CAF group stage has been closely scrutinised, with expectations often clashing with reality. 

Ben Youssef believes progression must be measured carefully, especially given the demands of competing across borders and styles.

“To be in the group stage was the first stage and now we’re managing every game as a cup game and we hope that when we finish these games in the group stages we will qualify but we’re taking each game step by step,” he added.

The match in Zambia posed a specific tactical challenge. Zesco’s direct approach and physical presence tested Chiefs’ organisation and concentration, forcing Amakhosi into a battle that required discipline rather than fluency.

“Its not easy when you play against a team that plays with the long ball because it’s physically demanding and Zesco are stronger than so we needed to deal with the first and second ball very well because it’s not easy to manage this kind of game,” Ben Youssef explained.

Despite Zesco’s position at the bottom of the group without a point, the Tunisian coach was quick to dismiss suggestions that they represent the weakest opposition in the pool. Instead, he highlighted the fine margins that define group-stage football.

“I think every team is different in this group, there’s no easy games or hard games, it all depends on how prepare for the game and the response of the players,” he said.

The victory has given Chiefs renewed confidence as they balance continental ambitions with domestic responsibilities.

 Amakhosi will now turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership, where they face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, before hosting Zesco United in the return fixture in Durban at the weekend.

With momentum finally building, Chiefs know that consistency — both home and away — will define their CAF journey. For Ben Youssef, the Zambia win was a reminder that progress is rarely linear, but experience gained now could prove invaluable in the decisive weeks ahead.