Kaizer Chiefs beat Highlands Park 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at Tembisa’s Makhulong Stadium on Wednesday evening.

It was Amakhosi’s first win of the 2016/2017 PSL season. George Lebese scored the deciding goal from the penalty spot.

Sibusiso Khumalo made his debut in an official game wearing the Gold & Black jersey against Highlands Park replacing Tsepo Masilela, while George Lebese and George Maluleka returned to the starting line-up.

The first half was a tight affair with no real chances for either side, even though the home side came closest to score in the 11th minute when Franklin Cale kicked the ball straight to Amakhosi goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune from close range.

Chiefs came a few times into to the Highlands Park box, but they didn’t get any real goal scoring opportunities in the first half.

Amakhosi’s defence did well, however, to keep Collins Mbesuma quiet in first half.

There was a great atmosphere at the stadium with about 9 000 spectators in attendance, mostly Chiefs supporters.

The visitors upped the tempo in the second half, trying to get the opening goal.

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela made an early substitution in the second half, bringing on the Zimbabwean Michelle Katsvairo for Edward Manqele.

Amakhosi now dominated possession, pushing the home side more and more on the back foot. It led to an excellent goal scoring opportunity for William Twala, but his header from close range missed the target.

A minute later, Hendrick Ekstein delivered a pass towards Twala, running into the Highlands Park box. The skilful winger was brought down by a Highlands defender with the referee pointing straight to the penalty spot. Lebese slotted the ball nicely in goal in the 65th minute.

Not long hereafter Siphiwe Tshabalala came on, making a welcome return after his knee injury, replacing match winner Lebese.

George Maluleka was selected as the Man of the Match after a fine performance.

The Glamour Boys are now on four points after having played three league matches.

Amakhosi next host Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 24 September 2016 (kick-off at 18:00).

Highlands Park 0

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Lebese 65’)

Teams:

Highlands Park: Kapini; Leonard, Ngalo, Mbara, Lebwaba; Garcia (Theron 71’), Khwela, Khuboni, Cale (Zwane 71’); Mashumba, Mbesuma (Mvala 79’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Khumalo; Twala (Parker 75’), Katsande, Maluleka, Lebese (Tshabalala 72’); Ekstein, Manqele (Katsvairo 58’)