Kaizer Chiefs survived a nervous half-hour before Njabulo Bloom ran down the wing and crossed to Samir Nurkovi? whose first time shot hit the back of the Wydad Athletic net.
Although the linesman raised his flag for offside, VAR overruled him after a few minutes of checking and awarded the 34th minute goal.
New Coach Stewart Baxter, who travelled with the team to back up caretaker coach Arthur Zwane and his assistant Dillon Sheppard, pumped his fist in the air when the goal was given.
Head of Technical and Youth Development Academy at Kaizer Chiefs Molefi Ntseki was also beside himself with joy on what turned out to be a balmy Saturday evening.
The goal settled the nerves and Chiefs were finally able to string a few passes together without losing the ball in a panic.
The empty Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca amplified the screams from the touchline as Wydad officials tried to cajole their team to respond positively.
Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made two crucial saves to keep Chiefs in the lead at the halfway point of the Caf Champions League semi-final game.
Wydad turned on the pressure in the second half but Chiefs repelled everything they threw at them.
Long balls, corner kicks, and freekicks were defended with gusto.
Chiefs brought on Pilani Zulu for injured Sassman in the 60th minute.
Unable to break down the Chiefs defence, Wydad substituted Muaid Ellafir for Saimon Happygod Msuva.
Chiefs responded in the 72nd minute resting Bloom and bringing in Kearyn Baccus.
Anthony Akumu Agay also got a run as Chiefs withstood wave after wave of attacks from a desperate Wydad to win the first leg tie away from home.
Kaizer Chiefs Starting 11: Bvuma, Sasman, Cardoso, Ngezana, Mathoho, Frosler, Parker ©, Katsande, Blom, Nurkovi?, Castro Subs: Akpeyi, Baccus, Zulu, Matsheke, Kambole, Agay, Ngcobo, Mashiane, Moleko Coach: Arthur Zwane.
