Kaizer Chiefs head Fernando Da Cruz has shut down suggestions that Mfundo Vilakazi’s withdrawal led to his side conceding against Red Arrows to eventually lose the match.
The Glamour Boys narrowly went down 1-0 to the Zambian outfit in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday afternoon.
Alassane Diarra netted the only goal of the match in the 77th minute with Chiefs now under pressure to overturn the first leg deficit when they host Arrows at home.
The visitors fell behind just six minutes after the 20-year-old was hauled off the pitch with Da Cruz saying it was due to the player being fatigued.
Speaking to the media after the match, Da Cruz added that they need to concentrate on efficiency if they are to have the result swing in their favour at home.
“Mfundo Vilakazi was tired, so we wanted a fresh player,” he said.
“It’s not after the substitution of Vilakazi that our team conceded a goal. It’s just one corner. After the goal we try again to create some chances but it was a little bit difficult.
“So, don’t agree with analysis because we needed more fresh players on the pitch because some of our players were tired.
“We lacked efficiency, and we just need to put more weight when we attack [in the return leg].
“We must work hard and [results] will turn in our favour.”