Kaizer Chiefs are set to meet Zambian outfit Red Arrows in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup next month, with their previous encounters against Zambian clubs suggesting they could be in for a difficult tie.

The upcoming fixture will be the fourth time Chiefs have faced opposition from Zambia in continental competition. Their record in those previous meetings has been far from convincing, although they have improved in recent encounters.

Chiefs’ first notable meeting with Zambian opposition came in the 2000 CAF Cup, when Nchanga Rangers ended their campaign. The Amakhosi suffered a 2-0 defeat at home before being held to a goalless draw in the return leg.

The Soweto club experienced further disappointment against ZESCO United in the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup. Chiefs were beaten 3-1 on the road before losing the home leg 2-1, allowing ZESCO to progress comfortably.

However, Chiefs eventually managed to settle the score with the Zambian side. They recorded consecutive 1-0 victories over ZESCO United in the group phase of last season’s Confederation Cup, securing some revenge for their earlier elimination.

Despite those two recent victories, Chiefs’ overall record against Zambian opposition remains a concern. They have won just two of their six previous meetings, illustrating why the Amakhosi could face another stern test when they take on Red Arrows.

Chiefs are not the only South African club to have found Zambian opposition difficult to overcome. Mamelodi Sundowns have managed just one victory in their last six encounters against teams from Zambia, with three draws and two defeats completing their record.

Orlando Pirates have also suffered a notable setback against Zambian opposition. They were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Green Eagles during the 2019/20 campaign in a surprising result.

Across the 24 previous meetings between South African and Zambian clubs, the South African sides have recorded eight victories, while 10 matches ended in draws and six resulted in defeats.

The record is even more evenly balanced in the CAF Confederation Cup, where South African and Zambian clubs have faced each other eight times. Both nations have claimed two victories, with the remaining four matches ending level.

The upcoming encounter will also be a first for Red Arrows, who have never previously faced a club from South Africa in continental competition.