Free State Stars pocketed maximum points when they defeated AmaZulu 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match played at Goble Park Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The match started on an upbeat tempo with both sides searching for an early lead but after five minutes the home side exerted more pressure, putting the Usuthu players on the defensive.

In the 20th minute, Stars midfielder Paulos Masehe was injured and was replaced by the team's captain Duncan Lechesa.

A minute later, Stars striker Sthembiso Ngcobo outran AmaZulu defenders and chipped the ball well past keeper Mbongeni Mzimela, but it ricocheted off the cross bar.

In the 42nd minute Stars defender Martin Carelse was yellow carded by referee Peter Mabuza after committing a foul on Tsweu Mokoro and two minutes later Mokoro was also booked for time wasting.

The solitary goal of the match was headed home by Ghananian defender Jonathan Mensah in the 90th minute following a pin point cross from the right flank by Mpho Makola.

AmaZulu were better in the second half showing signs of seeking the much needed goals but to no avail.