Kaizer Chiefs face a difficult challenge as they attempt to overturn a first-leg deficit in CAF competitions, having managed to do so only once in their previous eight attempts since making their continental debut 33 years ago.

Chiefs trail Zambia’s Red Arrows 1-0 following the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie. They must secure a victory in Friday’s return fixture in Durban to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

The South African side have fallen behind after the first leg of CAF knockout ties on eight previous occasions, progressing to the next round just once. Encouragingly, that success came last season under similar circumstances.

Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Angola’s Kabuscorp in the Confederation Cup before recording an identical victory at home to force a penalty shootout. They eventually prevailed 5-4 on penalties to secure their place in the next round.

However, their seven earlier attempts to overturn first-leg deficits all ended in elimination, with Zambian opposition proving particularly difficult to overcome.

In 2000, Chiefs lost 2-0 at home to Nchanga Rangers in the CAF Cup before managing only a goalless draw in the return leg, resulting in their elimination.

Their most recent setback against Zambian opposition came in the 2018/19 Confederation Cup campaign, when they suffered a 3-1 away defeat to ZESCO United before losing the home leg 2-1.

With history presenting a significant obstacle, Chiefs will need a determined performance in Durban on Friday to keep their continental ambitions alive and avoid another disappointing exit.

Other defeats came in the CAF Champions League against Espérance in 2005, AS Vita Club in 2014, Raja Casablanca in 2015 and ASEC Abidjan in 2016. Chiefs also suffered a defeat against ASEC in the 2014 CAF Confederation Cup.

A victory by at least two goals against Red Arrows in Friday’s return leg would secure Chiefs their first outright aggregate comeback after losing the opening leg of a CAF knockout tie.

Overall, South African clubs have trailed after the first leg in CAF competitions on 68 occasions, successfully overturning the deficit 24 times. This represents a comeback rate of approximately 35%.

Among South African sides, Chiefs have one of the poorest records in this situation. Excluding Bloemfontein Celtic, Cape Town City, Royal AM, Sekhukhune United, Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy, who have each faced a first-leg deficit once without managing to recover, Chiefs have progressed in just 12.5% of such ties.

Mamelodi Sundowns have found themselves trailing after the opening leg 15 times, going on to advance on five occasions, a success rate of 33%.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have overturned two of their seven first-leg deficits, giving them a 29% progression rate.

These figures underline the scale of the challenge facing Chiefs as they prepare to host Red Arrows, with the Soweto giants needing to produce a strong performance to keep their hopes of continental success alive.