TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Kaizer Chiefs Second half masterclass that saw them earn a well deserved point against Zamalek
.jpg)
Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 20:25
Conceding early and with only one touch in the opposition box in the first half. Find out how Kaizer Chiefs tactical adaptation saw them snatch a point against Zamalek in the CAF Confederations Cup
With eight continental honours between them. Two of the most storied clubs on the African continent took to the Peter Mokaba stadium in South Africa to duel in a CAF Confederation cup fixture.
Kaizer Chiefs played host to Zamalek from Egypt, with the Amakhosi looking to bounce back from heartbreak after conceding late to lose against Al Masry . They faced the White Knights who looked to build on a narrow opening day win against Zesco United.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Kaizer Chiefs set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, Brandon Petersen in goal. The backline comprised of Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika, Bradley Cross and Dillon Solomons. Experienced duo of Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Lebohang Maboe formed the double pivot as former Sundowns man Gaston Sirino played in attacking midfield.
Pule Mmodi and Mduduzi Shabalala occupied the flanks as Nigerian Etiosa Ighodaro led the line.
For Zamalek, in their 4-4-1-1 nominal formation. Mohamed Sobhi was trusted between the sticks. El Wensh Mahmoud and Hossam Abdelmaguid provided cover at centre back with Omar Gaber and Ahmed Fatouh at fullback.
The midfield double pivot consisted of Mohamed Ismail and Mohamed Shehata. Brazilian Jian Alvina and Angolan Chico Banza were tasked with causing havoc on the wing as Seifeddine Jaziri looked to get the goals.
Zamalek started off on the strong foot and were in dreamland in the 3rd minute when Jaziri fell on the end of a loose ball from the a wide free kick to slot home.
Celebrations from the bench highlighted this was their gameplan, get an early goal and then control proceedings.
Amakhosi dealt the early blow looked to respond immediately from Sirino but his audacious effort from almost centre of the pitch saw it come off the bar.
It was soon triple tragedy for Amakhosi as not only did they score early but also lost Sirino and Cross to injuries early on.
This saw youngster Mfundo Vilakazi come on in attack as Paseko Mako came on at left back.
Tactically, Chiefs looked to build in a 1-2-1-3-4 with the fullbacks on the level of the central midfielder and the attack looking to go man to maj against the Zamalek backline.
Kaizer Chiefs Build up
Chiefs looked to have their double pivot closer to each other pushing for neatness in ball distribution and short passing.
In progression Amakhosi looked to morph into a 4-2-4 formation. In this phase Maboe was tasked with joining the attack as Mthetwa sat back im rest defense his main role being recovering possession.
To counter this structure Zamalek sat off in a 4-4-2
Placing their attackline on the Chiefs double pivot. They looked to deny any central penetration and doubled up well against Chiefs in the wide areas.
Conceding an early goal was always going to shake things up, but Zamalek did so in a positive way. They kept to their plan, looking to draw out chiefs and access the space in wide areas or to runners in behind.
Zamalek looked to build up in a 3-2 structure, El Wensh actes as the central defender with Gaber and Abdelmaguid acting as the wide centre backs. Ismail and Maher were the midfield outlets.
Zamalek Build up
The White knights looked to have this structure and attract the high block from Chiefs then go in behind to the runs of Alvina and Jaziri who looked to target overload Mako on the long ball then target the space behind Miguel who was not as fast in covering in behind.
Chiefs looked to press in an intelligent 4-2-1-3 with the wingers marking the centre backs. The striker worked on the goalkeeper and the central defender with the attacking midfielder on the double pivots.
Zamalek threatened throughout the half with the directness of Chico Banza and Alvina while Chiefs main threats were speculative shots with the team struggling to find Ighodaro in the box.
This could be seen through the halftime stats as Chiefs had only one touch in the opposition box with Zamalek having eight.
In the second half, Amakhosi switched things up tactically. Coach Ben Youssef brought on Asenele Velebayi for the ineffective Mmodi.
In this half Chiefs now switched to a 3-1 first phase structure.
Mthetwa dropped between the centre backs as Maboe acted as the deep lying playmaker. This ensured Chiefs had maximum width against the Zamalek defensive line with the fullbacks high and wide.
Solomon looked to operate more on the inside, an area his runs had seen him score a goal against Al Masry. This left Vilakazi out wide right.
Chiefs second half structure
As Zamalek proved more stubborn, Chiefs brought on Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, a more attacking player for the defensive Mthetwa. This now saw Vilakazi or Solomon and Ngcobo operate in he halfspaces.
Noting that their midfield lynchpin Ismail on a yellow they brought him off for leftback Mahmoud Bentayg. This saw them push Fatouh into central midfield
This was also done in mid of a fresher defender to handle the threat Solomons and Vilakazi were causinh on that side.
Chiefs finally got the breakthrough late into added time when a repetition of Vilakazi and Solomons understanding saw Solomons receive inside the box from Vilakazi and slot home.
A welcome relief for Amakhosi and sweet rejuvenation after conceding late against Al Masry. The tactical switch in the second half saw high risk and maximum reward.
As for Zamalek they will look to bounce back and work towards being there on the last day of the competition.
