By Augustine Mwanza
If Red Arrows’ goalless draw against Mufulira Wanderers was a dress rehearsal for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round showdown with Kaizer Chiefs, the Airmen have plenty of work to do before Saturday’s crucial encounter.
Chisi Mbewe’s side were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in their Week Two MTN Super League Transitional Season fixture, delivering a performance that raised questions about their attacking sharpness ahead of their continental assignment.
While the clean sheet offered some encouragement, Arrows lacked the intensity, energy and creativity expected of a side preparing for one of its biggest tests of the season.
With midfield orchestrator Alassane Diarra unavailable through suspension following his red card in the opening-week victory over Mutondo Stars, the Airmen struggled to impose themselves on the contest.
They found it difficult to progress the ball through the thirds, establish control in midfield and create meaningful openings against a Wanderers side that defended resolutely.
For a team accustomed to playing on the front foot and creating scoring opportunities, the lack of a cutting edge was particularly concerning.
The performance was a reminder that Arrows will need to find another gear if they are to overcome Kaizer Chiefs and reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Mbewe backs Arrows to rise to the occasion
Despite the underwhelming domestic display, Mbewe remains confident that his players will respond when they face the South African giants.
The Red Arrows coach believes the magnitude of the occasion will provide sufficient motivation for his team, while emphasising the importance of making home advantage count in the first leg.
“Games against big teams like Kaizer Chiefs are self-motivating for the players. I am not worried, going into this encounter. We need to ensure we get the job done here in Zambia before we travel to South Africa for the return leg,” Mbewe said.
His confidence will be encouraging for the Arrows faithful, but the challenge now is to translate that belief into a more convincing performance on the pitch.
Against Wanderers, the Airmen lacked the urgency and attacking fluency needed to break down a disciplined defence. Those shortcomings will need to be addressed against a Kaizer Chiefs side eager to progress in continental competition.
Arrows must also find a way to cope with Diarra’s absence, particularly in a fixture where midfield control could prove decisive. Greater movement off the ball, quicker transitions and improved decision-making in the final third will be essential if they are to put themselves in a strong position before travelling to South Africa.
A crucial home assignment
Red Arrows will host Kaizer Chiefs at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday, 17 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 hours.
The first leg presents the Zambian side with an opportunity to establish an advantage before the return fixture in South Africa.
For Mbewe and his players, the priority will be to rediscover the intensity and attacking purpose that have made Arrows a formidable force in domestic football.
The draw against Wanderers does not define their season, but it has highlighted areas that require immediate attention.
Against Kaizer Chiefs, a clean sheet alone may not be enough. If the Airmen are to take a significant step towards their historic group-stage ambition, they must show greater attacking conviction, dictate the tempo and make their opportunities count.
Saturday’s showdown will provide a far clearer indication of whether Red Arrows can rise to the challenge.
