Chiefs earn a point in DRC

By Benjamin Nyirenda

Result: AS Simba 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Date: 18 October 2025

Venue: TP Mazembe Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs and AS Simba played to a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Saturday afternoon.

The post Nasreddine Nabi era officially got underway in Lubumbashi, as it was confirmed that coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef will take charge of the team for the remainder of the campaign after Nabi’s exit was confirmed last week.

The Amakhosi made two changes from the Carling Knockout loss to Stellenbosch before the international break, as Mduduzi Shabalala dropped to the bench as Siphesihle Ndlovu made his return to the starting line-up after an injury lay-off before Brandon Petersen replaced Fiacre Ntwari.

The first half didn’t produce much joy for the Soweto giants in terms of chances created, while Petersen was called into action on a couple occasions to keep Simba from taking the lead.

The Congolese side did have the ball in the back of the net at the midway period, but the celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee had flagged for an offside, with the sides heading into the break with score level at 0-0.

With Chiefs struggling to carve out chances in the second period, the coach staff opted for a double change just after the hour mark as Shabalala and Thabo Cele replaced Ndlovu and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in a bid to freshen up the attacking stall.

There were more substitutes thrown in the latter stages, including Mfundo Vilakazi who went close to breaking the deadlock for the away side with a free-kick from distance, but Simba goalkeeper Dida Fatao was able to tip the effort over the crossbar.

That was as good as it got for the Soweto outfit, who now have it all to play for in the return leg, which will take place at Dobsonville Stadium.

Chiefs, however, won’t have much rest for the second leg as they are set to take on Siwelele in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening.

Here’s how they lined up:

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross, Miguel, Kwinika, Solomons, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Lilepo, Mayo

Subs: Bvuma, Frosler, McCarthy, Cele, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Sirino, Du Preez, Duba