Kaizer Chiefs cruise past AS Simba to reach CAF Confederation Cup group stage

After a goalless first leg in Lubumbashi, the Soweto giants made full use of home advantage, producing a fast-paced and clinical display that left the Congolese visitors struggling to keep up.

Chiefs wasted no time asserting themselves. Barely three minutes had passed when Etiosa Ighodaro marked his debut in continental competition with a poacher's finish. Simba goalkeeper Dida Alhassani failed to hold onto Glody Lilepo's stinging effort, and the Nigerian forward reacted quickest to slot home from close range.

That early goal gave Amakhosi the confidence to dictate play, with Mfundo Vilakazi pulling strings in midfield and Lilepo constantly threatening down the flank.

The home side doubled their advantage on 14 minutes through defender Zitha Kwinika, who timed his volley perfectly to convert a Vilakazi free kick that caught the Simba defence off guard. Chiefs' set-piece precision continued to trouble the visitors, and their dominance was rewarded again midway through the first half when Lilepo rose highest to meet another Vilakazi delivery, heading in to make it 3-0.

Simba, rattled and struggling to deal with the relentless pressure, made an early tactical change as Junior Nyongani replaced Mabenga Kazadi in an attempt to stabilise the midfield.

Chiefs were forced into a change of their own at the break after Lilepo picked up a knock, with Pule Mmodi coming on. Despite the alteration, the tempo remained firmly in their favour. Mmodi and Ighodaro linked up well but were both guilty of wasting promising opportunities, while Vilakazi came close from a free kick that drifted narrowly over the crossbar.

Amakhosi head coach Cedric Kaze later introduced youngster Asanele Velebayi, handing the former Cape Town Spurs midfielder his debut in the 65th minute as the Amakhosi maintained control.

With the Soweto giants comfortably in charge, Simba finally found a way onto the scoresheet in the dying stages. Aiden McCarthy, attempting to clear a cross, unfortunately turned the ball into his own net to hand the visitors a late consolation.

Despite that minor blemish, the result never looked in doubt. Chiefs' mix of defensive organisation, sharp set pieces, and attacking efficiency ensured a smooth passage into the group stages - a performance that will bolster confidence as they set their sights on continental success.

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