Kaizer Chiefs struck late in the second half to secure a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
The Amakhosi named Yusuf Maart on the bench and gave George Matlou his first start of the season whereas Samkelo Zwane came in for the injured Mduduzi Shabalala.
Chiefs targeted a fast start where a curling delivery from a corner by Zwane met the head of Rushwin Dortley, but goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare moved across to palm away.
It was a dominant opening-quarter as Wandile Duba went close with a first-time ball in-behind, but Sangare came charging and repelled the forward.
After the underwhelming opening, the visitors carved out a decent chance when a cross from the right found Andy Boyeli at the near post though Bruce Bvuma smothered.
Chiefs regained momentum five minutes to halftime and threatened through a flying shot from the edge of the box by Matlou, but Sangare read the danger.
The visitors turned to the bench after the break and brought on Tshepo Mokoane for Katlego Otladisa before Vusimuzi Mncube vacated for Linda Mntambo.
Babina Noko remained buoyant and minutes from the break saw ex-Chiefs Daniel Cardoso shave the top of the goal through a rasping header.
The Amakhosi then went to the bench and renewed their attack through a double change which saw Maart come on for Matlou before Mfundo Vilakazi replaced Potsane.
Not too many clear openings showed as the match entered the midway point though Sangare was needed to make a point-blank save and deny the quick feet of substitute Mfundo Vilakazi.
Matters boiled over in the final five minutes where the visitors saw Vuyo Letlapa dismissed after he was flagged for bringing down Vilakazi.
The Soweto giants bagged the opening with under two minutes to go when Vilakazi cut in to the edge of the box and curled in the bottom-corner.
Chiefs contained the final minutes and got back to winning ways to move into fifth-place on the table – ending the visitors winning streak in the process.
Confirmed line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Cross, Blom, Miguel, Dortley, Mthethwa, Zwane, Matlou, Potsane, Mmodi, Duba
Subs: Ntwari, Msimango, Ditlhokwe, Kwinika, Mashiane, Maart, Vilakazi, Ngcobo, Chivaviro
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa, Mkhabela, Cardoso, Mkhize, Mokhuoane, Mncube, Makgalwa, Boyeli, Otladisa.
Subs: Kazapua, Rammala, Ohizu, Mohamme, Monare, Mntambo, Mokoane, Mbule, Sithole