CAF Champions League Report: Wydad Casablanca v Kaizer Chiefs 19 June 2021

CAF Champions League

Result: Wydad Casablanca 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Date: 19 June 2021

Venue: Stade Mohamed V

Kaizer Chiefs secured a crucial 1-0 win away to Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.

Chiefs made three changes from the win over TS Galaxy, as Siyabonga Ngezana, Yagan Sasman and Njabulo Blom were recalled while shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune was not in the matchday squad despite travelling with the team.

Amakhosi's intentions were clear from the onset after naming only three attackers on the line-up, after absorbing the pressure and only looking for chances on the break, frustrating Wydad in the early stages.

However, the hosts came close to breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark after a cross Mohammed Ellafi powered a header on target but goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made a great reflex save.

The Soweto giants caught Wydad on a counter-attack ten minutes before the break after Blom broke away on the right side and played a square pass that was smashed home by Samir Nurkovic, with the away goal awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after it was initially ruled out by the linesman for offside.

Chiefs continued to sit back in numbers and were nearly punished on the stroke of half-time after Walid El Karti unleashed a rocket from just outside the box but Bvuma was on hand to make the save.

View the players expected to be at Chiefs for the 2021/22 season…    

Sibusiso Mabiliso is understood to have agreed a deal in principle with Chiefs

Chiefs signed Brandon Petersen last year, but could not register him due to the FIFA ban

Jardel Nazaré is has had a medical at Naturena

Sifiso Hlanti was also signed last year, but could not be registered

Kgaogelo Sekota is thought to have been offered a three-year deal at Chiefs

Phathutshedzo Nange went to Stellenbosch FC on a gentlemen's agreement with Chiefs

Chiefs tabled an offer for Ruzaigh Gamildien a few months ago

Chiefs were also in advanced talks to try lure Njabulo Ngcobo to the club next season

With Wydad piling on the pressure but not find spaces in the final third after the break, the visitors were forced into a change on the hour-mark after Sasman went down injured and he was replaced by Philani Zulu.

Faouzi Benzarti's troops came close to snatching the equaliser just after that as Aymane El Hassouni unleashed a dipping strike from just outside the box that was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Bvuma.

Chiefs were just camping inside their own half and Achraf Dari almost equalised for the hosts 20 minutes before time after heading a cross ahead of Bvuma that missed just over the bar.

Zwane brought on Kearyn Baccus and Anthony Akumu as Chiefs remained resolute at the back to take an away goal and a lead to FNB Stadium in a week's time

Here's how they started:

Chiefs: Bvuma, Frosler, Sasman, Mathoho, Ngezana, Cardoso, Parker, Katsande, Blom, Nurkovic, Castro.

Subs: Akpeyi, Baccus, Zulu, Matsheke, Kambole, Akumu, Ngcobo, Mashiane, Moleko.