Johannesburg - Platinum Stars progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Free State Stars 2-1 in their MultiChoice Diski Challenge Group B clash at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley on Sunday.
The Rustenburg side came into the match needing a win to seal their place into the next round. Their opponents had a tougher task as they had to win and also rely on the other results.
Sello Nephali got the Free State outfit off to a great start when he gave them the lead in the 29th minute.
Sabelo Tsamo brought Dikwena level six minutes later when he drove a cracker from outside the box into the top corner, beating the outstretched Johnny Mathole.
Preserve the lead
There was late drama as Michael Mabula clashed with keeper Mathole, with the latter having to receive treatment, but the referee didn't take action.
Dikwena took the lead three minutes into the second half through the impressive Kabamelo Kodisang, who capitalised from poor communication in the opposition defence.
They then took control of the match as they looked to preserve the lead, with Kodisang dictating matters in the centre of the park.
Free State Stars twice had the ball cleared off the line late in the match, with the first one coming after keeper Kagiso Mlambo failed to hold onto the ball and it rolled towards the net before his teammate saved his blushes.
Dikwena finished third in the group on 12 points. The other quarter-final spot was taken by Mpumalanga Black Aces who beat AmaZulu 3-1 to finish fourth.