The Brazilians entered the encounter on the back of an unexpected exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of little-known Angolan side Wiliete SC.
Downs boss Miguel Cardoso responded by making several changes to his starting line-up as he looked to deliver a positive result.
Siyanda Ndlovu scored the only goal at Loftus Versfeld with a clinical finish after 20 minutes.
Speaking after the game, Cardoso said it was important to win the match, even if they were still not at their best.
"We started well, but then we also made life difficult for ourselves," Cardoso explained on IOL.
"But I hope people understand what it is to play a match after an emotional moment we lived together. In one match we played much better, but we didn't win and we got knocked out of the Champions League.
"I recognise that it was not a fantastic match (on Tuesday night), but it was proof of character that we have to win a match, close it and move forward.
"It is a very difficult and emotional moment we lived through, but it is an important victory to move forward," he said.
Durban City will look to build on their recent run of improved form with victory against Stellenbosch in their Carling Knockout Cup last 16 clash on Wednesday.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hit out at his team despite a 3-0 Carling Knockout Cup win over Milford on Tuesday.
Tshepang Moremi found the back of the net twice as Orlando Pirates breezed into the next round Carling Knockout Cup after a comfortable 3-0 victory against Milford FC on Tuesday.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, last season's runners-up.
