Khalil Ben Youssef hails ‘gritty’ Kaizer Chiefs win over ZESCO United

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef was pleased with his team’s ability to grind out three points against ZESCO United in their third CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match, especially given the unfavourable pitch conditions.

Chiefs secured a 1-0 win over Zesco, courtesy of Pule Mmodi’s third-minute tap-in, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday afternoon. The victory got their group-stage campaign up and running following a loss to Al Masry and a draw with Zamalek.

The result was important for Chiefs, who have revived their chances of reaching the knockout stage of continental football for the first time since they were Champions League finalists in 2021.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ben Youssef was pleased with the victory but lamented the bumpy pitch conditions, which prevented them from playing their traditional style.

“I think we expected that it would be a tough game,” Ben Youssef said. “But to be honest, it wasn’t a great game to watch. It was physical.

“The target was clear for us: to go back home with three points. We didn’t come to enjoy great football. I think we deserved to win and get the three points.

“The pitch made it difficult for us, but maybe it helped Zesco with the long balls. We try to make short passes and build up play to make progress. Unfortunately, we couldn’t play our normal football on this pitch.”

Chiefs will host Zesco in the return leg this Sunday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. A win in that match will certainly put them in contention to finish in the top two of Group D and qualify for the next round.