Kaizer Chiefs overcame a potential banana skin this evening as they saw off spirited lower division opponents Casric Stars to book their spot in the quarter finals of the Nedbank Cup with a 2-1 win at the FNB Stadium.

Chiefs started the match in perfect fashion when they were awarded a penalty in just the 10th minute of the game when Casric defence Zebulon Mtshweni was penalised for handling the ball in the box as he attempted to clear.

Burundian international Caleb Bimenyimana stepped up and coolly slotted the ball to the left of Casric goalkeeper Ludwe Mkapumkapu to give Chiefs the early lead in this Last 16 cup clash.

Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane had cautioned his side before the match that the Motsepe Foundation Championship side were an aggressive threat from set pieces and the visitors had a few opportunities from dead ball opportunities which caused a scare or two for the home team.

The first half ended goalless, giving Zwane the chance to settle his team at the break as they sought to see our the game.

Things did not go according to plan for Amakhosi in the second half, however, as a defensive laps allowed the visitors back into the game.

Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika fielded an innocuous long ball from Casric, but lost possession in the final third and allowed Kgomotso Mosadi a run on goal on the hour mark.

The big striker's initial shot was well saved by Brandon Petersen, but Mosadi was quickest to react to the rebound to slot home the Stars equaliser.

Ashley Du Preez had earlier replaced Kamohelo Mahlatsi and the nippy striker was the Chiefs hero as he restores Amakhosi's lead just two minutes after they had conceded the equaliser.

Keagan Dolly had found some space down the left wing and whipped in a delicious cross Du Preez expertly got onto the end of with a diving volley for a typical poacher's goal.

The goal would prove to be the winner, as Chiefs did what they needed to ensure progression to the next round.

Mdu Shabalala enhanced his burgeoning reputation with another man of the match performance and he so nearly extended the Chiefs lead in the 72nd minute, but his shot was well saved by an outstretched Mkapumkapu.

Stars threw everything at Chiefs in a desperate search for the equaliser to take the game to extra time but it was not to be.

On a rainy Sunday night, if there were points on offer any team would take those on offer and go home.

But with crucial knockout profession at stake, a businesss-like Chiefs were happy enough to see out the game and put their names in the hat for the Nedbank Cup quarter finals.

Amakhosi will play much better this season, but tonight they did what they needed to and got the job done.

"We made it difficult for ourselves. We started the game very well and kept them under pressure and I thought we would keep the momentum....but we conceded a goal out of complacency. It's one of those things," said coach Zwane after the game.

The Nedbank Cup quarter final draw takes place tomorrow night live on SuperSport at 18h00.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI: Petersen (1); Hlanti (23), Dove (2), Ngezana (30), Kwinika (4) Mashiane (19), Maart (8) Zwane (37), Sithebe (6), Shabalala (42), Dolly ©(10), Bimenyimana (28), Mahlatsi (5) Du Preez (9)

Subs: Bvuma (44); Nj Ngcobo (27), Dube (29), Solomons(18), Radebe (33), Duba (36)

Coach: Arthur Zwane

Casric XI: Mkapumkapu (44), Tshoba (26), Taukobong (47), Gum (22), Mtshweni © (17), Abubakar © (5), Zwane (10), Malope (14), Milazi (41), Tlholoe (6), Mosadi (40)

Subs: Mthombeni (31); Rakwena (8), Mojela (7), Mbonani(50), Khabane (19), Rammala (43), Kubheka (55), Sifama(13), Mokoena (60)

Co-Coaches: Joseph Mthombeni