Kaizer Chiefs Cruise into CAF Confederation Cup Group Stages

Chiefs seal group stage spot with convincing win

Kaizer Chiefs make history with group stage qualification in CAF Confederation Cup. Etiosa Ighodaro scores on debut as Kaizer Chiefs beat Simba 3-1 in CAF Confederation Cup.

Kaizer Chiefs sealed their advantage on 25 minutes with Glody Lilepo's powerful header from a corner kick...

Kaizer Chiefs secured a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after dominating DR Congo side Simba with a 3-1 win, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory. This marks a significant milestone for the Amakhosi, who have now reached the pool stages for the first time in their history.

The Soweto giants had a strong performance, with Etiosa Ighodaro scoring on his debut and Glody Lilepo adding another goal. Their solid defense and clinical finishing ultimately led to their triumph over Simba. This win is a testament to the team's determination and skill, and they'll look to build on this momentum as they progress to the group stages.

By advancing to the group stages, Kaizer Chiefs will join fellow South African side Stellenbosch FC, who also secured a spot in the competition. The Amakhosi's history in African competitions includes winning the now-defunct CAF Cup Winners' Cup in 2001 and reaching the CAF Champions League final in 2021, where they lost to Al Ahly.

The Amakhosi took the lead through Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro, who scored his first goal for the club by slotting home the rebound after Glody Lilepo's initial shot was saved. Any early jitters were quickly forgotten when defender Zitha Kwinika settled the nerves with a stunning free-kick into the net, marking his first goal in over three years.

Kaizer Chiefs sealed their advantage on 25 minutes with Glody Lilepo's powerful header from a corner kick, extending their lead to 3-0. This impressive display marked the first time Chiefs had scored three goals in a match since their 3-1 Nedbank Cup win over Stellenbosch FC in March.

With this win, Kaizer Chiefs has secured a spot in the group stage draw, which is scheduled to take place on November 3. The team will now focus on preparing for their next challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup.

90 + 5'| #CHI 3 : 1 #SIM

Full time score: (Ighodaro 3’, Kwinika 14’, Lilepo 26’) Kaizer Chiefs 3 : 1 AS Simba (McCarthy. og 80’)

Kaizer Chiefs are through to the group stages#Amakhosi4Life #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #KCOneAfrica pic.twitter.com/TmeKScNxl4

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 26, 2025

Stellenbosch FC secured their spot in the group stage after a convincing 4-1 home win against 15 de Agosto, following a goalless draw in the first leg. Thato Khiba's penalty kick, Sanele Barns' powerful shot, Andre de Jong's clinical finish, and Chumani Butsaka's late strike sealed the victory for the Maroons. This win marks a significant milestone for Stellenbosch, who reached the semifinals last season but fell short against Simba SC from Tanzania.