Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca in the first leg of the CAF Champions League’s first round at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening. Amakhosi played well and they had numerous chances, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Katlego Mphela got his first start in an official match this season, while Brilliant Khuzwayo was back in goal, leaving Itumeleng Khune on the bench.

Amakhosi started well, but they got a shock when the visitors scored the opening goal in the sixth minute. Raja got a free-kick outside the box. The ball flew to their Nigerian striker Ighodaro Osaguona, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Khuzwayo.

Four minutes later, Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite got a good chance to head in the equaliser, but he failed to do so.

Slowly, the pressure started to building on Raja, even though it didn’t result in a goal. Siphiwe Tshabalala released a ferocious shot in the 25th minute, stretching the Moroccan goalkeeper. However, in the end, he managed to parry the shot to corner.

As predicted, it was a tough game and especially the battle in midfield was well fought. It was a pity that the Amakhosi couldn’t get a goal in the first half, despite the numerous opportunities coming their way.

From the moment the Gabonese referee blew his whistle for the second half to start, Chiefs went into the attack. However, it was Raja that nearly scored from a counter-attack in the 49th minute. Defender Erick Mathoho made slight mistake and Raja’s Nigerian striker looked set to profit. Luckily, he failed to hit the target from close range.

Four minutes later, after some good combination play, the ball came to Mphela, whose shot from just outside the box just flew over the crossbar. Soon thereafter, two more opportunities arrived, but no goal as yet.

The atmosphere was fantastic in the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with the supporters being behind the team in full force.

Bernard Parker released an excellent cross into the box in the 65th minute. Mphela headed the ball at goal, but, it just went past the wrong side of the goalpost.

Raja’s defence was tough and they were well organised. As a result, it was not easy to make that final killer pass. Meanwhile, the Moroccans looked threatening whenever on the break.

Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter made two changes after 30 minutes of play in the second half. The talented Hendrick Ekstein came on for Parker, while George Lebese entered the field for Masango.

Soon thereafter, Tshabalala got what was probably the best chance. However, he failed to hit just in front of goal.

That was the moment that the Moroccans decided to win some time. One of their players was on the ground, supposedly injured. A few crucial minutes went to waste.

Finally, in the 86th minute, substitute Siphelele Mthembu, who had come on for Mphela, looked to have the equaliser on his boot. However, he couldn’t find the target.

There were chances enough, but, sadly, Chiefs couldn’t convert any of them.

The return leg will be played in three weeks’ time in Morocco’s city of Casablanca on April 5.

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Raja Casablanca (1) 1 (Ighodaro 6th)

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Masango (Lebese 76’), Letsholonyane, Katsande, Tshabalala, Parker (Ekstein 75’), Mphela (Mthembu 82’)

Raja Casablanca: Askri, Jibira, Oulhat, Belamkadem, Karrouchy; Issine (Walid 86’), Guehi, Vivien, Bemammer, Salhi (El Ouadi 79’), Ighodaro (Hamza 80’)