Kaizer Chiefs inflicted a fourth defeat of the 2009/10 season on Free State Stars when they defeated them by a single goal to nil at the Charles Mopeli Stadium in Phutadijaba on Saturday evening.

It was a game dominated by Chiefs and it took a moment of magic from Knowledge Musona who was able to lay on the game?s only goal for Amakhosi substitute Nkhosinathi Nhleko who headed Chiefs to victory in the 72nd minute of the game.

For Chiefs it was their midfielders ability to help them keep possession for large parts of the game which helped them grind out the win. Siphiwe Tshabalala, Josta Dladla, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Tinashe Nengomasha all did not start during Chiefs midweek draw with Aces and showed their worth by coming up with a dominating combined performance in the centre of the field for the Amakhosi.

It was clear from the quick start to the game that both teams had attacking intentions from the beginning, Stars came closest to taking the lead in the opening exchanges as Elder Richartz headed wide from close range. The Brazilian was able to meet Mpho Makola?s cross from the right which Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau could not effectively clear as it came over.

Ngcobo would spurn a chance for Stars in the 17th minute as he shot wide from inside their 18 yard area, from the ensuing build up Tinashe Nengomasha battled his way up the left flank and was able to get into the Stars 18 yard area where he managed to get the ball over the defence to Musona. On this occasion the young striker could not direct his effort as he did not properly connect with the ball and his final effort, a header goalwards, was off the mark.

As the midway point of the first half arrived Musona showed skill and calmness beyond his years as he was able to pick up a pass and turned and tore away without effort from Stars defender Jonathan Mensah. His final effort, a shot from distance, lacked the power to trouble Stars keeper Mweene who got down to make the save.

Early on in the second half Jimmy Jambo did well to pick up a long ball from the left as he cut into the Stars penalty box; he laid off the ball but his pass was behind Kaizer Junior.

Then in the 56th minute Musona on the right touchline managed to breeze past four Stars defenders but his final effort on goal was off target as well.

Nkhosinathi Nhleko made the difference for Chiefs when coming on as a 62nd minute substitute for Motaung Junior, as he looked more purposeful upfront instead and ten minutes after entering the field he finally gave Chiefs the lead as he headed them in front.

Tshabalala picked out Musona with an excellent pass which the striker picked up on the left and beat Mensah with his pace, as Mweene came off his line to close him off, Musona deftly chipped the ball over him and onto the head of Nhleko who headed the ball downward and over the line for his fourth goal of the season.

Victory for Chiefs sees them move up to sixth place in the standings while Stars fall to their fourth defeat of the season; ironically all of their losses have come at home this season.

Losing to Chiefs also signals Stars 100th loss in 309 outings since 1996 in the Absa Premiership.

The teams:

Free State Stars: Mweene, Taaibos, Carelse, Mensah, Mdluli, Makola (Motaung 69), Moholo, Lechesa, Richartz (Madimabe 75), Mofokeng (Thomo 57), Ngcobo.

Kaizer Chiefs: Bartman, Tau, Sweswe, Jambo, Rooi, Dladla (Yende 90+2), Nengomasha, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala (Nale 87), Musona, Motaung (Nhleko 62).