Al Masry vs Kaizer Chiefs: Why Ben Youssef Believes The Loss Is A Vital Lesson Ahead of Zamalek Clash

Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has urged his squad to channel the pain of their recent continental setback into a steely resolve as they prepare for a blockbuster 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup group stage clash  against Egyptian giants Zamalek. 

The Amakhosi's preparations for the highly anticipated Group stage encounter have been dominated by the fallout from their narrow 2-1 defeat to Al Masry in Suez on Sunday, a result that halted their three-match winning streak and served as a stark wake-up call regarding the realities of African football.

The match was decided by a moment of misfortune late in the second half when defender Inacio Miguel committed a defensive error inside his own box. While Miguel’s attempted clearance was intercepted, leading to the winning goal and prompting severe backlash from pundits, Ben Youssef has taken a protective stance. 

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Rather than singling out the experienced international for the blunder, the Tunisian tactician highlighted the relative inexperience of his broader squad. 

“This was the first time that more than 80 per cent of our players experienced this level of continental football,” Ben Youssef told the club's media as first reported by Goal.

According to the coach, the margin for error in these fixtures is non-existent, and the domestic league does not always prepare players for the aggression required in Egypt.

“It’s very different from the PSL. Here, you must be more focused, more aggressive. At this level, matches are decided by very small details. If you lose concentration for even one second, you can concede,” he added.

Despite the loss, Ben Youssef believes the scoreline did not reflect the effort his team put onto the pitch. He maintains that the performance warranted a point, but they will use the disappointment to fuel their analysis ahead of the next challenge.

“Looking at our performance, we deserved a minimum of a draw. But we have to learn from our mistakes. We’ll analyse the game, look at the positives and the negatives, and continue to work.”

The pressure is mounting as the Chiefs prepare to face an even more formidable opponent on November 30. 

The gaffer is acutely aware of the danger posed by Zamalek and has issued a stern warning to his squad regarding their concentration levels, noting that home form will be the key to their qualification hopes.

“Zamalek are one of the best teams in Africa with huge experience in continental competition. It will be a tough game, but if we want to qualify, we cannot afford any mistakes at home. We need to win our home matches and collect more points away,” he stated.

Ben Youssef is banking on the famous atmosphere of their home ground to turn the tide. He is hopeful that the players can feed off the energy of the Amakhosi faithful to secure a vital win in the group stage.

“We know our fans, we know the stadium, and we know it will be full,” he said.

“Their support means everything. I hope next weekend we’ll win and put ourselves in a better position in the group.”

While the coach remains supportive, the external scrutiny has been withering, particularly from former Glamour Boy Junior Khanye. 

He was far less forgiving than Ben Youssef, specifically targeting Miguel and the midfield pairing of Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Edson Castillo Cele for what he deemed a lack of functionality during critical phases.

“It was a high school mistake from this guy [Inacio] Miguel," Khanye said.

"He is an experienced player and an international … It was a critical phase of the game. We have to question the midfield. Mthethwa and Cele were not functional."

Khanye further emphasized that the midfield fragility exposed in Suez would not be sustainable if Chiefs hope to progress. He argues that the team is lacking a specialist to protect the backline.

“We need a proper number 6 in midfield. In this game, they were exposed. They might get away with it in some Betway Premiership games, but not here.”

Khanye also critiqued the overall tactical approach of the match, noting that Al Masry was unimpressive in the first half, which made the Chiefs' failure to capitalize even more frustrating.

“It was a very boring first half from both teams. How many shots on target did they have? Neither team ever risked anything. I was very disappointed with Al Masry; playing at home, they never troubled Chiefs," he added.

Chiefs must now quickly shake off the disappointment. Before they can focus fully on Zamalek, they must first navigate a Premier Soccer League fixture against Magesi on November 26.