Free State Stars held Black Leopards to a 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership clash at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The stalemate leaves the hosts in 12th spot on the log standings, a mere two points above the relegation zone. Ea Lla Koto sit in eighth with the result in the Limpopo province extending their unbeaten run in the league to three matches.

Lidoda Duvha opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Eden Nene following a sustained spell of pressure.

The midfielder headed home Lesadi Kapinga's cross for his first goal of the campaign, to give the hosts a narrow lead at the interval.

Stars improved following the break and duly levelled matters just shot of the hour mark. Congolese midfielder Cesaire Gandze netting the goal for the visitors.

Both teams pushed forward in the closing stages in search of the winner, but neither could add to their tally as they ultimately settled for a point apiece.

Black Leopards (1) 1 (Nene 28')

Black Leopards: K.Ndlovu, Munyai, Zulu, Munganga, Nange, Katjiuka, Nene, Mhlongo (Khutlang 59'), T Ndlovu (Mahangwahaya 84'), Kapinga (Tshepe 67'), Hlongwane.

Free State Stars: Sangare, Mobbie, Keita, Tema, Phungwayo, Hlubi (Masina 46'), Maruping, Gandze, Jantjie, Rodgers, Moseamedi (Bhengu 57').