Zambia's Red Arrows pulled off a remarkable continental upset on Friday, eliminating South African giants Kaizer Chiefs from the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 on a 3-2 penalty shootout victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The two legs were level at 1-1 on aggregate after Chiefs won the return fixture 1-0, with Bradley Cross heading home in the 65th minute to cancel out the advantage Red Arrows had built from their first-leg win in Zambia — a result secured by Alassane Diarra's winner.

Despite Chiefs controlling large spells of the match and creating multiple openings, the Zambian side held firm and prevailed from the spot to book their place in the group stage.

Chiefs dominate but fall short

Under coach Fernando da Cruz, Kaizer Chiefs were the more assertive side throughout, pushing relentlessly to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters.

Chances came early — Thulani Mabaso forced the Red Arrows goalkeeper into a sharp save as early as the 11th minute. Pule Mmodi wasted a headed opportunity at the far post, and Wandile Duba was unable to convert after breaking clear.

Da Cruz turned to substitute Mfundo Vilakazi before the hour mark to inject fresh attacking energy. The move paid off when Vilakazi delivered a precise free-kick that Cross headed home in the 65th minute, levelling the tie on aggregate and reigniting Chiefs' hopes.

With momentum building, Chiefs pressed hard for a second goal. Substitute Ethan Chislett played a role in creating an opening for Mduduzi Shabalala, who directed his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Chislett then teed up Velebayi, who sent his attempt over the crossbar as the home side continued to squander opportunities.

Red Arrows stay disciplined to secure shootout glory

Red Arrows responded tactically, bringing on Ricky Banda and Norris Kalamba to help withstand the pressure and protect the aggregate draw. Their defensive resolve proved unshakeable.

When the final whistle blew with the tie still level, Red Arrows held their nerve in the penalty shootout, converting three of their kicks while Chiefs managed only two, to complete one of the standout results of the Second Preliminary Round.

The defeat brings a deflating end to Chiefs' continental campaign, despite their improved showing in the return leg. Red Arrows, meanwhile, advance to the 16-club group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27, which is scheduled to begin in November.