Kaizer Chiefs managed to secure an unprecedented 1-0 win at Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final played at the Stade Mohamed V stadium.
From their final game of the DStv premiership line up, Chiefs made three changes, as Siyabonga Ngezana, Yagan Sasman and Njabulo Blom were recalled while shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune didn’t make the matchday squad but was part of the travelling party to Morocco.
Amakhosi made their intentions known early on as they fielded just three attackers on the line-up, with the side absorbing much pressure from Wydad while they relied on fast breaks in the opening exchanges.
Just before the half-hour mark, it was the hosts who came close to breaking the deadlock after Mohammed Ellafi powered a header on target but goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma reacted accordingly with a stunning stop.
However, it was the Soweto Giants who went in front with ten minutes of the half left to be played. Blom broke away on the right side and played a square pass that was smashed home by Samir Nurkovic, with the away goal awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after it was initially ruled out by the linesman for offside.
The goal gave Chiefs more impetus to sit back in numbers but they were nearly punished on the stroke of half-time after Walid El Karti unleashed an effort from just outside the box but Bvuma was on hand to make the save.
Since they went behind, Wydad kept pushing for the equalizer but could not find spaces in the final third after the break. The visitors were forced into a change on the hour-mark after Sasman went down injured and was replaced by Philani Zulu.
Faouzi Benzarti’s men doubled their efforts in the final third and should have been levelled, as Aymane El Hassouni unleashed a dipping strike from just outside the box that was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the impressive Bvuma.
Chiefs spent the remaining 20 minutes of the game in their half, defending in numbers but Achraf Dari almost equalized for the hosts after heading a cross ahead of Bvuma that flew inches over the bar.
Stand-in coach Zwane sent on Kearyn Baccus and Anthony Akumu in the final stages as Chiefs held on at the back for a memorable win and hold the advantage ahead of the return leg at the FNB Stadium in a week’s time.