Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi acknowledged that facing relegation-threatened Magesi would always be a tough challenge, especially considering their determined performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final.

Despite a lackluster performance, Chiefs secured a 1-0 victory over a resilient Magesi side at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, with Ashley du Preez scoring the decisive goal.

Du Preez, formerly of Stellenbosch, came on as a second-half substitute and made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch to secure all three points for Chiefs.

However, Chiefs struggled to assert themselves in the match, despite a stronger showing against Mamelodi Sundowns in their previous 1-0 defeat.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game,” Nabi said in a post-match interview with SuperSport TV. “We saw their performance in the Carling Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns, and we knew it would be a tough game, even for ourselves.”

Chiefs were missing key players, including Tashreeq Matthews, who was injured against Sundowns, and the suspended Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele. Rushwin Dortley was also absent, with Given Msimango taking his place.

“The fact that we had a lot of changes in the starting lineup meant we struggled a little bit in the first half to get on the front foot, to get going, but we were better in the second half,” Nabi added.

“In these kinds of games, what you need is the three points to get going.”

The win leaves Chiefs in eighth place with 28 points from 20 matches. Magesi remain second from bottom with 17 points from 21 matches.