Kaizer Chiefs recorded a 2-0 win over 10-men Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership season opener at Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening.
Stellies were reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute when Siviwe Nkwali was shown a straight red card on his debut after being adjudged to have tripped Mduduzi Shabalala.
Chiefs then took the lead from the resulting free-kick through Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who made it 1-0.
Devin Titus was unlucky not to draw matters level in the 24th minute as his shot beat Brandon Petersen but rattled the post before Sanele Barns also saw his free-kick come off the same post a few moments later.
On the stroke of halftime, Titus thought he had finally scored but Petersen pulled off an audacious one-hand save.
Wandile Duba missed a glorious chance to kill off the game in the 64th minute, blazing his effort over after being played in by Shabalala.
The visitors once again missed another chance to double their lead with Glody Lilepo raising his effort over the crossbar from close range in the 74th minute.
Substitute Gaston Sirino then tried his luck from an acute angle four minutes later, but Sage Stephens made a one hand save.
In added time, Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Ashley Du Preez was brought down in the 18-yard area with Lilepo stepping up to convert and make it 2-0 as Amakhosi moved third on the log standings.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
