Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe has handed Kaizer Chiefs a compliment, but he has also sent a clear warning.

His side is confident they can eliminate the South African giants in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the first leg of the second preliminary round.

Red Arrows edged the first leg 1-0 in Ndola on Saturday, thanks to a goal from Alassane Diarra. That single strike leaves Chiefs with a major task in the return leg on South African soil.

Mbewe knew Chiefs would be a tough test. “We knew it would not be easy to face Chiefs, considering their experience and maturity in this competition,” he said, adding that his team had prepared fully.

He was pleased with how his players competed, even though they missed several chances and ended the match with only one goal.

Mbewe believes Chiefs can control games by keeping the ball for long periods, so Red Arrows must tighten their defending in the second leg. His message to the squad is simple.

“I think, If I’m not mistaken, they are the best ball possession team in South Africa,” said Mbewe.

“We have to go back to training and continue improving. We need to be solid, remain compact and ensure that we do not give Kaizer Chiefs the space to dictate play.”

Red Arrows wanted three goals in Ndola, but Mbewe still believes they can reach the group stage.

“”It’s in our hands,” he added. We go there, we fight and ensure we qualify for the group stage and this time around I can sure you Red Arrows is qualifying for the group stages. “

Kaizer Chiefs now need to win by two goals or more in the second leg to keep their continental hopes alive, and they will have to prove that the Zambian side’s confidence is misplaced.

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