Kaizer Chiefs head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has firmly defended his side’s pragmatic approach following their narrow 1–0 victory over ZESCO United, insisting the priority in continental football is winning — not entertainment.
Amakhosi secured maximum points at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium thanks to Pule Mmodi’s second-minute strike, an early goal that proved decisive in a tightly contested CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage encounter. The result lifted Chiefs to four points, keeping them in the qualification race, while ZESCO United remained rooted to the bottom of the group without a point.
Despite criticism of Chiefs’ performance as uninspiring, Ben Youssef was unapologetic in his post-match assessment, stressing that the mission in Ndola was clear from the outset.
“It was a physical game. For us the target, we came for three points, we didn’t come to play great football or to enjoy, we came for three points,” Ben Youssef said after the match, speaking via SABC 1 as quoted by iDiski Times.
The Tunisian coach argued that conditions at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium dictated a departure from Chiefs’ usual playing style, forcing his side to adapt.
“I think we deserve to win this game, we deserve the three points. The pitch made it difficult for us,” he added.
Chiefs struck early as ZESCO United failed to clear a corner kick, allowing Mmodi to capitalise inside two minutes. From there, the visitors focused on game management, repelling pressure and surviving a late scare when Amine Hiver’s long-range effort flew inches wide.
Ben Youssef was keen to underline the contrast between his team’s preferred identity and what circumstances demanded on the day.
“Maybe it’s easier for ZESCO United, who play long balls. For us, we play a technical game, we play short passes, we make the progression with short passes,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, today with this pitch it was difficult to play our football, so we were playing another football. We are not a physical team, we are a technical team.”
With Chiefs unable to dominate possession in their usual manner, the match turned into a battle of strength and territory — a challenge Ben Youssef believes his players met head-on.
“That made it more difficult for us, it was only long balls… I have to say congratulations to the players,” he said.
“We said we come for three points, we don’t come to play, we come to win.”
The coach reserved special praise for his squad’s commitment and discipline, particularly as ZESCO United pushed for an equaliser late on.
“That’s why I have to say congratulations to the players — how they played, how they fight. They deserve it.”
The victory proved significant in a tightly balanced group. Elsewhere, log leaders Al Masry were held to a goalless draw by Zamalek, moving to seven points, with Zamalek on five. Chiefs now sit on four, firmly in contention.
