The result handed Amakhosi a valuable away clean sheet and leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at Dobsonville Stadium on 26 October, where they will look to finish the job in front of their home supporters.
Interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef made two changes from the side that lost to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout. Brandon Petersen returned between the posts in place of Fiacre Ntwari, while Siphesihle Ndlovu recovered from injury to start in midfield ahead of Mduduzi Shabalala. .
Despite facing a physical and direct Simba outfit, Chiefs stayed disciplined throughout the contest. Khanyisa Mayo came closest to giving the visitors the lead in the 28th minute when his long-range strike rattled the crossbar, leaving the home defence rooted.
Simba thought they had opened the scoring later in the first half, but the flag went up for offside. The Congolese side piled on the pressure after the break, forcing Petersen into two sharp saves around the 70th minute to keep the scores level. Chiefs found few clear chances of their own but grew more dangerous in the final quarter.
Substitutes Shabalala and Thabo Cele added energy, while young Mfundo Vilakazi almost produced a late winner with a well-hit free-kick that was tipped over by Simba goalkeeper Dida Fatao. Captain Given Kwinika and Inacio Miguel marshalled the backline superbly, ensuring Chiefs left Lubumbashi unscathed.
It was a disciplined, no-frills performance from Amakhosi, one built on defensive grit and tactical awareness. With home advantage to come, Chiefs are well placed to secure progression and keep their continental ambitions alive.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Malongoane has urged Amakhosi supporters to remain patient with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, arguing that the pair needs time to understand the unique demands of South African football.
Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi says his early months at the club have been a steady, game-by-game learning process as he finds his feet in the top flight.
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has admitted his side continues to struggle in front of goal but insists the team is working hard to solve the problem ahead of Sunday’s clash with TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is keeping his focus sharply on the Carling Knockout Cup title as his team tops the Betway Premiership table with 28 points after 12 games.
