Foxes Yield Three Points From PL2 Opener
City’s starting line-up included Under-23s debuts for the impressive Viktor Johansson in goal and striker Ryan Loft, while Filipe Benković, a central defender, was also handed his first Filbert Way outing.
Fast out the blocks, the hosts showcased the talents which saw them finish third in Division 1 last term, aided by the efforts of Hamza Choudhury and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield.
In the fifth minute, City took the lead as Academy graduate Choudhury laid it up wonderfully for Ndukwu to cut inside his man and curl the Foxes into a deserved lead from the edge of the penalty area.
While Courtney Baker-Richardson worried Johansson with an audacious effort from 30 yards midway through the first half, fortunately for the Swede, he could watch on as it clipped the top of his crossbar.
Just before the break, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall was forced off with an injury, but it was nonetheless an occurrence which presented Raúl Uche Rubio with an opportunity to impress.
In the second half, Johansson needed to be on his toes to make a fine save to palm away a powerful George Byers header - and it was not to be the only time his talents would be required.
His shot-stopping skills were needed again when Baker-Richardson arrowed it at goal from 10 yards out, but Johansson stretched out an arm to make another outstanding top.
But that defensive scare would prove to be the last for City as the challenge from Swansea subsided in the latter stages, resulting in a perfect start to the new season for the hosts.
Major moment
In Brief: Leicester City U23s 1 Swansea City U23s 0
Watch the key moments from the Development Squad's Premier League 2 opener against Swansea.
In a fraught season curtain-raiser, scoring so early gifted Leicester with a precious lead to protect on a pleasant summers evening on Filbert Way.
Layton Ndukwu’s turn of skill was enough to turn his man while his finish was sublime, setting the Foxes up for a valuable – and well-earned – maiden three points of the campaign.
Who impressed?
With Swansea pushing for a late equaliser, Viktor Johansson took full advantage of his chance to shine in front of the Blue Army with a succession of wonderful saves.
With City’s Daniel Iversen and Max Bramley out on loan with Oldham Athletic and AFC Telford United, the 19-year-old Swede is likely to be a key man for the Under-23s this season.
Coming up…
City’s attentions turn to the Premier League International Cup on Friday night with a Holmes Park clash against Reading (7pm BST kick-off) – which you can watch live and for free on LCFC TV.