Phil Dawson converted five field goals from as many attempts as he helped to edge the San Francisco 49ers to a slender 22-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at the Levi's Stadium in Sunday's NFL clash.

The Chiefs took an early lead thanks to the guile of Alex Smith, who churned out a two-yard pass for Travis Kelce to make the touchdown before Cairo Santos kicked for the extra to make it 7-0.

The 49ers made a small contribution in the first quarter as they responded through a 41-yard field goal courtesy of Dawson, who took the scores to 7-3.

Kansas restored their seven-point lead early in the second quarter, this time as Santos produced a field goal from 42 yards out to make it 10-3, before San Fran were back again with a kick of their own through Dawson from 55 yards.

The 49ers managed to snatch a late touchdown with 31 seconds to play when Colin Kaepernick threw from nine yards to give Stevie Johnson the touchdown and leave the scores at 13-10 going into the interval.

The third quarter was to prove fruitful for both sides, with the Chiefs going back ahead thanks to Smith, who threw for DeAnthony Thomas from 17 yards, while the Niners responded by making up ground with a 52-yard field goal from Dawson.

A tense encounter edged towards a nail-biting close, with Dawson doing his best to push the 49ers further ahead with another kick from 27 yards, making it 19-17 to San Francisco with just under nine minutes to play.

The 49ers ultimately had the efficiency of Dawson to thank as he cemented his side's victory with a fifth field goal, this time converting a 30-yard effort to leave the final score at 22-17.