Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning form in the Betway Premiership with a 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Amakhosi came into the match on the back of four successive defeats across all competitions, but a second-half strike from Glody Lilepo brought them a first league win since late January.
The Citizens, meanwhile, had a six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions come to an end.
The result saw the teams trade places on the log, with Chiefs up to fifth on 33 points (from 19 matches) and City down to sixth on 32 points (from 21 matches).
Chiefs looked to get off to a quick start, and Ashley du Preez had the first shot in anger as early as the second minute, dragging an effort wide of City goalkeeper Darren Keet’s right-hand post.
The home side’s Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba also sent attempts off target within the opening 20 minutes – a period of dominance for the men in gold and black.
City gradually found their footing and had a fine chance to take the lead in the 26th minute, as Siphamandla Ncanana got on the end of Saziso Magawana’s corner kick but failed to keep his header down.
Chiefs had further half-chances for Shabalala – both of which resulted in comfortable saves for Keet – in what remained of the first half, and at the start of the second they altered their attack by withdrawing Du Preez in favour of Asanele Velebayi.
VILAKAZI'S IMPACT
Another Amakhosi substitute – Mfundo Vilakazi – played a key role in the goal which broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, drawing two defenders away before teeing up Glody Lilepo, who struck a drive from the ‘D’ of the box into the back of the net for 1-0.
The Congolese attacker had another chance a few minutes later, but was unable to find his radar from a tight angle down the right of the penalty area.
Chiefs had to survive a nervy ending to the game, with City pushing hard for an equaliser – including a couple of goal-line clearances in injury time.
The teams will be back in the Premiership next weekend, with Chiefs hosting Magesi FC on Saturday 21 March, while City will be at home to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay the following day.
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Lilepo 69’)
Durban City 0
Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Kwinika, Miguel, Cross (Mako 86’), Ndlovu (Mabaso 77’), Maboe, Shabalala (Sirino 86’), Duba (Vilakazi 63’), Lilepo, Du Preez (Velebayi 46’)
City: Keet, Gcaba, Ncanana, Mkhize, Mashego (Lwamba 67’), Jurgens, Poggenpoel (Domingo 75’), Jalai, Kamatuka (Maseko 61’), Magawana (Mahlangu 75’), Mokwena (Nodada 67’)