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Cape Town - Rooi Mahamutsa's free kick was not enough as Free State Stars lost their Absa Premiership tie 3-1 to Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday night at FNB Stadium.
In the wake of the defeat, Serame Letsoaka's side remain rooted at the 14th spot with as many points from 16 matches.
On the other hand, two first half goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker, as well as a second half strike from Willard Katsande, ensured Chiefs won the match.
The highly anticipated encounter got off to a bright start with both camps exchanging the ball possession in the opening first 10 minutes.
However, it was the visitors who threatened in the 15th minute after sharing great passes into the box, allowing Mohammed Anas to take a shot which went narrowly wide after a block by Lorenzo Gordinho.
Amakhosi quickly responded with a fine free kick finish from Tshabalala, as he scored by beating goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni on his top left corner away from the d-line.
As they dominated the proceedings, Chiefs received a penalty towards the half-hour mark after Edmore Chirambadare was fouled by Ngobeni in the box. Parker doubled their lead at the second attempt after Ngobeni initially saved the penalty.
With three minutes to go, Serame Letsoaka's men nearly pulled one back when Anas beat his marker in the box only to see his attempt coming off the woodwork from close range with Itumeleng Khune was beaten.
Ea Lla Koto were better in the second stanza as they spent more time in the opposite half, with Mbuyiselo Thethani's deflected shot saved by Khune in the 50th minute.
The hosts managed to shift gears and Katsande showed composure in the box to make it 3-0. He beat two defenders before easily passing the ball into Ngobeni's left corner.
With 17 minutes to go, the Bethlehem-based side received a set piece on the edge of the box and Mahamutsa pulled one back in the 73rd minute with a well struck low shot.
In the last five minutes, Steve Komphela's men continued to probe four their fourth goal and George Maluleka produced a fine save from Ngobeni, who punched the ball away for a corner.
Chiefs now move up to third on the log with 27 points from 16 league matches.
