Kaizer Chiefs head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shown his support for Ashley Du Preez after a missed chance during their CAF Confederation Cup encounter with AS Simba, highlighting the difficult pitch conditions.

Du Preez had an excellent opportunity to score in the 88th minute but was unlucky in his finish following a superb cross from Mduduzi Shabalala.

The opportunity was set up by a fantastic sequence between Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi, leaving Du Preez free to meet the cross. Unfortunately, the former Stellenbosch player could not capitalize.

Despite the miss, Ben Youssef is adamant that Du Preez should not be judged solely on this moment, emphasizing the challenging playing surface.

“You can observe the state of the game, the pitch, and the opposing team,” Ben Youssef commented.

“We prepared our players for this scenario. They were aware that it would be a tough match.”

Ben Youssef noted that the pitch conditions impacted their strategy, forcing both teams to resort to long balls.

“Honestly, executing our game plan on this pitch is nearly impossible. Thus, we had to lean on long balls, just like our opponents, given the challenging conditions.”

The Tunisian coach praised his team’s approach, prioritizing a solid defense in the first half while taking advantage of spaces left by Simba as they pursued a goal.

“I think our strategy was to manage the first 45 minutes without conceding, knowing that the opponent would take considerable risks,” he elaborated.

“We predicted their high pressing; they would provide us with space. Therefore, we decided to introduce Shabalala, Du Preez, and Wandile Duba for their speed to create opportunities.”

He emphasized two scoring opportunities his team had, including the one missed by Du Preez.

“In the first half, we had two chances, but luck was not on our side,” he remarked.

“One was a shot that hit the crossbar from Khanyisa Mayo, and the other in the 88^th minute, after a solid sequence involving Shabalala, Vilakazi, and a setup for Ashley. He was unfortunate, despite having a clear shot at goal.”

“Regardless, our game plan was executed well; we handled the first 45 minutes effectively and were optimistic about finding space in the second half. We managed two opportunities in the second half but, unfortunately, were unable to score.”

Ben Youssef also commended Glody Lilepo for playing through an ankle issue.

“Lilepo had a slight ankle injury before this match, yet he opted to participate,” he stated.

“In the 65^th minute, we recognized he could no longer continue, so we replaced him with Ashley.”

“We were confident that Ashley would make an impact with his skill and pace; he had opportunities but was unable to convert.”

The second leg of this match is set for next Saturday at Dobsonville Stadium, with both teams eager for a win to advance to the group stages.

Before that, Amakhosi will take on Siwelele in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.