Ea Lla Koto on top in five-goal thriller

Cape Town - The 10 men of Free State Stars were close to squandering 3-0 first half lead over Polokwane City, but managed to hang on to record a 3-2 victory in Tuesday's Premiership affair.

It was a tight opening 15 minutes but Free State Stars would hit the front when Mohammed Anas pounced on a mistake by goalkeeper George Chigova to finish with ease in the 16th minute.

The home side were rocked soon after when Stars combined well in the 24th minute to set up Anas once more and he fired beyond a shaken Chigova to make it 2-0 to Ea Lla Koto.

Soon after the game appeared to be all but over as a contest when veteran Paulus Masehe took advantage of some poor positioning by Polokwane's number one to make it 3-0.

However, the goalscorer saw red not long after for a second yellow card which offered a glimmer of light to the home side as they were now playing against 10 men.

After a period of pressure after the break, Stars did find a way back into the contest when striker Walter Musona headed beyond keeper Badra Sangare in the 58th minute. The pressure continued on the 10 men and the home team were back in with a shout as Sammy Seabi headed home just after the 80th minute.

Nonetheless, Stars were able to hang on for dear life in the closing stages as they held on for a valuable 3-2 victory at the Pietersburg Stadium.