Polokwane - Polokwane City edged Free State Stars 1-0 in their Absa Premiership clash on Saturday evening.
Bongile Booi netted the only goal in a fiercely contested clash that could have swung either way before the 40th minute strike proved to be decisive.
It was a second win of the season for Rise and Shine, whose only other scalp was that of Baroka, while they came into this tie on the back of a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows.
Stars, meanwhile, beat Maritzburg United and drew 2-2 in a thrilling encounter with Cape Town City, leading up to this tie.
Paulus Masehe was first with a chance after just one minute with a shot that flew over its intended target.
Harris Tchilimbou came closer with an effort that George Chigova kept out ahead of another shot, just wide from a determined Masehe.
Rodney Ramagalela had a shot from range that didn't trouble Badra Ali Sangare in the Stars goal as the half wore on and while there continued to be attempts from both sides, it was Booi who broke the deadlock to set up an intriguing second 45 minutes.
Cesaire Gandze replaced Tchilimbou at the start of the second half as Stars head coach Luc Eymael looked to affect the outcome of this tie.
The first chance of the second half then fell to City, but Musona's 46th effort lacked any real venom.
Judas Moseamedi saw a 49th minute header on target well saved as Stars upped the tempo, while Booi was wide ten minutes later at the other end.
Goodman Dlamini made way for William Twala on the hour mark and Eleazar Rodgers came on for Makhehlene Makhaula with 69 minutes on the clock, and although the changes were positive, Stars side were unable to hit the target and had to head home with the narrowest of losses.