Itumeleng Khune was forced off injured as Lebogang Manyama’s first-half strike was enough to guide Kaizer Chiefs to a tight 1-0 win over Baroka in their Absa Premiership clash on Saturday night at the FNB Stadium.

Chiefs looked to continue their good early-season form with three points, which would keep them top of the table but were enforced into one change from Tuesday’s 2-0 win over AmaZulu with Samir Nurkovic replaced by Lazarous Kambole.

Baroka came into the game after a mixed set of results at the start of the season and would have been hoping to throw a spanner in the works against the Soweto giants.

After a tight start to the game it was the visitors who had the first opening, but Itumeleng Khune produced a fine save to deny Richard Mbulu a one-on-one with 17 minutes gone.

Khune’s night, though, then ended early when the Chiefs captain pulled up with an injury in the 26th minute, and Daniel Akpeyi was brought on in his place.

The Nigerian stopper was thrust straight into action as Collins Makgaka rose high and directed a powerful header on target, but Akpeyi was equal to the task and pulled off a quality save.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, Ernst Middendorp’s charges took the lead just five minutes before the break. Khama Billiat made a square pass to Kambole, who appeared offside, and the Zambian’s low strike was well saved but Lebogang Manyama was on the spot to tap home the rebound.

The half did not end well for Amakhosi, though, as George Maluleka was stretchered off and replaced by Willard Katsande. At the break, Chiefs were leading 1-0.

The Glamour Boys started the second stanza on the front foot as Billiat almost doubled their lead but smashed the crossbar.

Baroka were not going to lie down and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but came up against keeper in Akpeyi who was having an inspired performance.

The away side continued to press forward in the closing 10 minutes and were inches away from parity, when Gerald Phiri Jnr rattled the crossbar with an exquisite free kick just moments before Martin Nsimba then saw his effort also smash into the bar.

Chiefs managed to hold on for the tight win and go back top of the table.