Kaizer Chiefs missed out on the 2025 Toyota Cup after losing to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko on penalties in Durban.
Toyota Cup
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Asante Kotoko (2-3 on penalties)
Date: 26 July 2025
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi kept faith with Flavio da Silva as the main striker, while fellow new signings Thabiso Monyane and Nkanyiso Shinga were also included the line-up.
The hosts enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages, but it was Asante who carved out the first big chance on 14 minutes when an unmarked Kwame Opoku saw his header saved by goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Chiefs, meanwhile, had to wait until the 26th minute for their first opening at goal when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo's in-swinging free-kick found Da Silva, who sent his header wide of the mark.
The Soweto giants ended the first half with more of the ball and had a couple good passing moments with Thabo Cele orchestrating play, but they struggled to trouble the Asante goalkeeper throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Click through the gallery above to see action from Chiefs' clash.
Chiefs made three changes at the start of the second half, as Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi and Wandile Duba were introduced to freshen up the attack while the club also changed into their away strip.
The changes nearly paid off shortly after the break when Mmodi was given time and space to unleash shot that rattled the crossbar with the Asante goalkeeper well beaten.
Coach Nabi made another change on 73 minutes as fans go their first glimpse of new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu, who did not travel to the Netherlands with the team.
With eight minutes to play, Chiefs were awarded a penalty after the lively Mmodi was brought down in the area by Henry Ansu's reckless challenge. Inácio Miguel stepped up but sent his spot-kick wide of the upright, making it the second penalty he's failed to score in pre-season.
That would prove to be Chiefs' final opening as the clash went to a penalty shoot-out, where it was decided in sudden death as the Ghanaians went on to triumph 3-2.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, McCarthy, Miguel, Shinga, Monyane, Mthethwa, Cele, Lilepo, Ngcobo, Vilakazi, Da Silva
Subs: Bvuma, Frosler, Zwane, Hlongwane, Matlou, Cross, Solomons, Chislette, Mmodi, Sirino, Nkgwesa, Shabalala, Duba
