Hendrick Ekstein netted the only goal of the game as Kaizer Chiefs narrowly defeated Platinum Stars 1-0 in an Absa Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

There was not much goalmouth action to speak in a first half, which lacked quality from both teams.

The first effort on target was taken by Ryan De Jongh in anger in the 14th minute, with the effort going inches wide of the post.

Ryan Moon came close for Chiefs, but his header from Joseph Molangoane’s cross went over the bar.

Leonardo Castro, too, came close with a long-range effort but his stinging effort from far out was well saved by the Stars shot-stopper.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock as the two teams went into the break 0-0.

Chiefs started the second half the brighter of the two teams and broke the deadlock when Molangoane’s cutback into the area was met by Ekstein, who made no mistake to give his side the lead.

Willard Katsande came agonisingly close to doubling his side’s lead when he rose highest to meet Bernard Parker’s corner, however, it went inches wide.

In the end, Chiefs ran out 1-0 victors to all but end Dikwena’s chances of surviving the relegation drop.

Chiefs XI: 32 Khune, 23 Molangoane, 4 Cardoso, 30 Ngezana, 24 Masilela, 27 Ekstein, 31 Katsande, 22 Zulu, 25 Parker, 8 Castro, 29 Moon.

P Stars XI:31 Mzimela, 2 Mere, 5 Sithole, 24 Mkhabela, 44 Gcaba, 46 Gome, 18 De Jongh, 6 Baloyi, 45 Norodien, 47 Tshabalala, 37 Ntuli.

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