It is almost a foregone conclusion that Kaizer Chiefs will bow out of the African Champions League on Saturday following a 4-0 defeat in the first leg but defender Nhlanhla Kubeka believes Amakhosi have what it takes to upstage Esperance.

Chiefs went to Tunisia a fortnight ago hoping to score the all-important away goal while keeping the score as low as possible. But such dream was dashed as the hosts were awarded two dubious penalties to unsettle their guests. The match ended 4-0 in favour of Esperance who will go into the second leg as firm favourites to progress to the group stages.

"We could have done better," said Kubeka. "To be honest, that score was not a true reflection of how we performed on the day. We should have scored at least one goal but the referees were really pathetic. They were openly biased and those penalty decisions were seriously questionable, especially the first penalty after a ‘foul’ by Mabedi."

"It’s possible to turn it around if we can work very hard," said Kubeka. "“We also need to go into the match with a positive outlook, we need to believe that we can win the match by the required margin."

"Four goals is too much but there is nothing special about Esperance and we can beat them. We have to win the game. If we can score three goals in the first half, we will make it," he said. "We are very positive and looking forward to the game."

Kubeka returns to action after missing the league clash against Ajax Cape Town on Sunday due to an ankle injury sustained in Tunisia. Striker-turned defender Patrick Mayo sustained a shoulder injury in the same game and is doubtful for the return leg.