Kaizer Chiefs got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.
Four changes for Chiefs from the loss to Mamelodi Sundowns saw Given Msimango, Njabulo Blom, Mfundo Vilakazi and Ranga Chivaviro recaalled to the starting line-up, as Gift Motupa made his third start for Magesi.
Chivaviro looked for the opening through a drop of the shoulder and subsequent shot from the edge of the box, but Elvis Chipezeze turned behind for a corner-kick.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse had moments to go in-behind but neither Motupa, Tshepo Kakora and Mcedisi Vandala troubled goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma in the Amakhosi goal.
Congolese striker Glody Lilepo threatened in the last ten minutes of the half through a cheeky back-heel from a shortly taken free-kick, but Chipezeze made an easy save.
Magesi were more buoyant in the earlier stages of the half and drew the first save off Bvuma when Motupa fashioned out a teasing shot from a tight angle.
However, the frustrations continued for the said Amakhosi who saw Chivaviro snap a golden chance from the area as Dikwena struggled to clear.
Chivaviro was removed around the remaining 20 minutes and replaced by Ashley Du Preez as the host earnestly looked for a breakthrough.
Du Preez answered after charging in the box to get onto Lilepo's reverse pass from the right of the area and lashed in the bottom-corner.
Chiefs were in control at this stage of proceedings and could've extended the lead through Du Preez once more but he snapped well wide with the goal gaping.
The Amakhosi were denied a second once more when Pule Mmodi side-footed a through pass against the post in additional time, as it finished 1-0.
Confirmed line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Frosler, Msimango, Miguel, Dove, Maart, Blom, Vilakazi, Mmodi, Lilepo, Chivaviro
Subs: Petersen, Kwinika, Cross, Solomons, Ngcobo, Matlou, Shabalala, Potsane, Du Preez.
Magesi FC: Chipizeze, Abrahams, J. Mokone, Makgoga, Buthelezi, Matima, Kakora, Mashikinya, Motupa, Mtshali, Vandala.
Subs: Tshabalala, Baloyi, Masegela, Komane, Manzini, Malesa, Rademeyer, Makhubela, Meko