Manchester City handed a debut to new signing Gareth Barry but it was an Eastlands old boy who clinched the winner as the Blues posted a hard-fought victory in the second match of their South African tour.

Watched by new signing Emmanuel Adebayor, City recovered from their weekend loss to Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 triumph against Kaizer Chiefs, academy product Stephen Ireland hitting the winner on the stroke of half-time at the ABSA Stadium in Durban.

Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz were again left to watch from the sidelines as City manager Mark Hughes continued to exercise patience with his high-profile summer signings.

The first half was an even affair but City made the decisive breakthrough in the closing seconds when Shaun Wright-Phillips' low cross was converted from close range by midfielder Ireland.

City had started strongly and put the hosts on the back foot early on before the hosts hit back towards the end of the half.

Barry, wearing the number eight jersey made a good impression in his first game with an energetic display.

The former Aston Villa player was all over the park, solidifying the defence when possible and troubling the Chiefs' backline with several runs.

Zambian referee Wellington Kaoma allowed the game to flow and only needed to reach for his card when City's Felipe Caicedo kicked the ball away in frustration when an advantage was not given after a foul on Wright-Phillips.

In the second half, City started where they had left off but Barry marred his debut with a 54th-minute yellow card following a late challenge.

The England player's interest in the game ended soon after when he was replaced by Javal Vidal with 26 minutes remaining.

There were few chances in the closing stages but City had a let-off with nine minutes to go when Chiefs striker Kaizer Motaung Jr failed to find the target when well placed 15 yards out.

The home side continued to apply the pressure in the final 10 minutes with several shots going astray, as City's defence tired.

Despite being hopeful of involving Tevez in this game, Hughes opted to leave the Argentinian striker out, as well as fellow new boys Adebayor and Santa Cruz.