Thanda Royal Zulu came from behind to register an emphatic 2-1 victory against Platinum Stars in an Absa Premiership clash in SJ Smith Stadium on Wednesday night.

Stars led 1-0 at half-time.

Godfrey Sapula opened the scoring for Stars in the 42nd minute after receiving a fine cross from Henrico Botes to beat the hapless Aubrey Mathibe in Thanda's goal. Thanda levelled in the second half courtesy of Sibusiso Hadebe.

Zambian international, Clifford Mulenga grabbed the much needed winner for Thanda on the 89th minutes from Felix Obada's cross. The home side (Thanda) also missed a penalty when Nkosinathi Nhleko failed to beat Wayne Sandilands in goal for Stars in the 76th minute. Nhleko was brought down by George Mofokeng inside the box.

Stars dominated most of the first half but were unable to break Thanda's defence, which was well marshalled by Tonic Chabalala. Thanda almost opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Hadebe but Sandilands in goals for Platinum thwarted his effort.

In the second half, Thanda showed more commitment and were eventually rewarded. Thanda are second from bottom with 32 points from 29 games. They will host neighbours, Maritzburg United at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday in their quest to avoid First division promotion and relegation play offs.

If they fail they will face FC Cape Town who finished second in the Coastal Stream.