Ben Youssef hits back at critics after Kaizer Chiefs' gritty ZESCO victory

Amakhosi secured their first win of the group campaign thanks to an early strike from Pule Mmodi in the second minute, a goal that ultimately decided the contest and earned Chiefs a crucial three points away from home.

Despite the positive result, some sections of the Chiefs faithful were left unimpressed by what they perceived as an overly cautious and unentertaining performance. Ben Youssef, however, made it clear that entertainment was never the priority under the circumstances.

"It was a physical game. For us, the target was to get the three points. We didn't come to play great football or to enjoy - we came to win," Ben Youssef said after the match on SABC 1.

The Tunisian coach pointed to the poor playing surface as a major factor behind Chiefs' altered approach, explaining that it negated their preferred technical style.

"We are a technical team. We play short passes and try to progress through combinations, but on this pitch it was difficult," he explained.

"Maybe it's easier for ZESCO United, who play long balls, but for us it forced a different type of football."

Ben Youssef also praised his players for adapting to the conditions and showing resilience in a physically demanding encounter.

"I have to congratulate the players for how they fought. We came for three points and they delivered," he said.

The victory, Chiefs' first in Group D, leaves them third on the standings but firmly in contention for qualification to the knockout stages. With renewed belief, Amakhosi will now look to build momentum as they prepare for crucial upcoming clashes against Zamalek and Al Masry.