Free State Stars held Polokwane City to a 1-1 stalemate in an Absa Premiership match at the Goble Park on Saturday afternoon.

The draw sees Ea Lla Koto slip down to sixth place on the league standings, while Rise and Shine moved up to 11th place.

Rise and Shine were able to contain the home side in the opening stages of the game with Thapelo Tshilomarshaling their defence.

The two teams were struggling to create clear cut chances as they both lost possession in the final third

However, Polokwane goalkeeper Harold Ndlovu was called into action just after the half-hour mark.

Siphelele Mthembu unleashed a shot which was well-saved by the Ndlovu, who was well-positioned to make a save.

Stars and Polokwane continued to struggle to create goal-scoring opportunities with the halftime break.

The two teams were locked at 0-0 at interval following a tightly contested first-half which had few chances.

The home side was reduced to 10 men a few minutes into the game when Tebogo Potsane was red carded.

Rise and Shine then took control of the match as they looked to take advantage of their numerical advantage over Ea Lla Koto.

However, 10-men Stars were able to defend well with former Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa guiding the hosts' backline.

Rodney Ramagalela, who is in the race for this season's Absa Premiership Golden Boot, was tightly marked.

Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless stalemate after Stars contained Polokwane in the dying minutes of the match.

FS Stars (0) 0

FS Stars: Sangaré, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Keïta, Dlamini (Maphakisa 62'), Makhaula (Crosse 80'), Mobbie, Potsane, Mthembu, Masehe, Tchilimbou (Teyise 88').

Polokwane: Ramagalela, Ndlovu, Ravhuhali, Semenya (Phiri 74'), Mbonani, Tshilo, Manaka, Seabi (Musona 56') Miya (Maluleke 67'), Booi, Maluleke.