Kaizer Chiefs begin a new chapter in their African journey tonight when they line up for their first-ever Caf Confederations Cup group-stage match against Al Masry at the Suez Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00, and with Zamalek visiting Polokwane in just under a week, Amakhosi know how important a strong start is to their campaign.

The coaches have gone with a balanced 1-3-4-3 setup, a clear signal that Chiefs intend to take the game to their hosts. Speaking ahead of the clash, Co-coach, Khalil ben Youssef makes it clear that Amakhosi are in Egypt to compete.

“We believe we have the quality to compete and win the game. The pressure is on Al Masry because they are playing at home, and we have come here to get three points,” he says.

Captain Brandon Petersen will lead a defence made up of Bradley Cross, Miguel Inácio and Zitha Kwinika, a trio tasked with keeping things steady against an Al Masry outfit known for their intensity on home soil.

Across midfield, Chiefs will look to stretch the game with Pule Mmodi and Dillan Solomons working the wider areas, while Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Thabo Cele hold the centre and look to dictate the rhythm.

Up front, Amakhosi have gone for mobility and pace with Mdu Shabalala and Ashley du Preez supporting Etiosa Ighodaro, who leads the line and carries the responsibility of finding the breakthrough.

Chiefs head into the encounter with momentum and confidence with their recent form that saw them pick up three wins in their last five matches across all competitions.

Petersen believes the team has done everything possible to be ready for the challenge that awaits in Suez.

“We have prepared well and know what to expect. I feel positive, and together with my teammates, we are ready and looking forward to the game this evening,” he says.

For Chiefs, tonight is about more than just their opening fixture. It marks the start of a new push on the continent, and with a bold starting line-up and clear belief in their approach, the Glamour Boys step into the Suez Stadium aiming to make their presence felt.

With the team settled and ready, the attention now turns to the 90 minutes ahead, where Chiefs will hope to start their group campaign on the right note.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI: Petersen © (1), Cross (27), Inacio (14), Kwinika(4), Solomons (18), Cele (21), Mthethwa (5), Mmodi (13), Shabalala (7), Du Preez (9), Ighodaro (40)

Subs: Bvuma (16); Mako (29), Monyane (2), Msimango (25), Matlou (22),Maboe (6), Vilakazi (28), Velebayi (17), Da Silva (32)

Coaches: Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze

Al Masry: Andelbaky (16); Zeid (5), Eleraky (7), Ibrahim © (8) Ismail (13), Elsayed (14), Kingsley (20), Bonheur (21), Temine (25), Hashem (29), Deghmoum (30)

Subs: Mohamed (1), Moursi (3), Youssef (10), Elshamy (11), Afifi (12), Wahidy (15), Fella (35), Abdelwahab (36); Amer (40)

Coach: Nabil Kouki