Liua put Stars in the lead on 40 minutes as he collected from Moloi as the Chiefs defence froze hoping the referee would blow for a goal kick after the ball appeared to have gone out of play.

Chiefs almost equalised on the stroke of halftime but Macamo's effort was blocked by Sol Molapo following a great delivery from Pule.

Stars preserved their lead as they went into the break with an advantage. Despite trailing 0-1 at halftime, Amakhosi supporters appeared calm, singing and dancing to the tune of gospel music of Jabu Hlongwane and Vuyo Mokoena.

The supporters had no reason to be angry as their team displayed confidence with a great sense of urgency whenever in possession. Defender Cyril Nzama was deployed in central midfield in the absence of Nhlanhla Kubeka and played his heart out as he thwarted almost every Stars attack.

Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral made drastic changes to his starting line-up with veteran midfielder Thabo Mooki and Marco Mthembu not making it to the bench.

Youngsters Justice Sithole returned from injury and partnered Luke Jukulile and Jossias Macamo while Jabu Pule ran circles in the middle of the park.

Former Chiefs star Fees Moloi led the Stars attack while veteran Sam Pam marshaled the defence.

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: 16-Brian Baloyi, 5-Patrick Mabedi, 29-Gary Goldstone, 24-Isaac Mabotsa, 14-David Kannemeyer, 27-Gerald Sibeko (28-Patrick Mbuthu 61st), 4-Cyril Nzama, 21-Justice Sithole (20-Kenny Niemach 66th), 11-Jabu Pule, 8-Luke Jukulile, 23-Jossias Macamo.

Ria Stars: 41-Aime Kitenge, 9-Lucky Lekgwathi, 16-Abednigo Netshodwe, 4-Saul Molapo, 29-Sphiwe Mkhonza, 5-Sam Pam (23-Elasto Lungu 53rd), 22-Fees Moloi, 12-Thapelo Liau, 30-Donovan Wilson, 3-Jacob Machaka, 19-Robson Muchichwa.

Referee: Jerome Damon.