Kaizer Chiefs clinched their spot in the group stages of the CAF Champions League on Tuesday in Angola as they beat Primeiro de Agosto 1-0.
Amakhosi were under some early pressure from the hosts. Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi grabbed a corner kick out of the air minutes before Philani Zulu provided a crucial headed clearance.
At the other end of the pitch the Soweto giants had a decent chance to break the deadlock but the eventual shot went just over the bar.
The Glamour Boys found the vital breakthrough four minutes before the half-time break. Khama Billiat created the chance as he burst deep down the left flank before squaring for Leonardo Castro to direct home from close range for a 1-0 lead.
Primeiro de Agosto were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time. Bobo Ungenda was already on a yellow card when he hacked down an Chiefs attacker to halt the progress, but the referee kept his cards in his pocket on this occasion. The resultant free kick was headed just over the Agosto goal once again.
Early in the second half Siyabonga Ngezana made a terrific contribution as his perfectly timed tackle helped Chiefs clear their lines just in time.
There was a big scare for Chiefs in the 67th minute as an Agosto attack concluded with a shot which went only inches past Akpeyi's goal.
Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele showed his quality as well in defence as he put in a clutch tackle to put an end to an Agosto attack.
Gavin Hunt's charges impressed with a solid performance overall to maintain their one-goal lead and secure their place in the group stages.
- TEAMtalk media
