Cape Town - SuperSport United picked up a massive three points in their bid for survival with a 3-2 win over Free State Stars at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

After starting well, Stars were unfortunate to concede a penalty with just nine minutes played with Patrick Phungwayo adjudged to have handled inside the area.

Thabo Mnyamane stepped up to send Badra Ali Sangare the wrong way to bury the ball into the left corner of the net.

Stars looked to respond with some fast flowing attacking football, with SuperSport eager to add a second in an open and entertaining first half.

While Morgan Gould headed clear a good corner from Harris Tchilimbou, Rooi Mahamutsa was well placed to head an Evans Rusike delivery from danger.

Nyiko Mobbie then did well to cut out a one-two from Thuso Phala and Maphosa Modiba as they tried to break down the left flank, as Reneilwe Letsholonyane fired a volley on the turn well over from the edge of the box.

The half ended though with Goodman Dlamini seeing his fierce shot well blocked by Clayton Daniels.

Nhlanhla Vilakazi, who was controlling play well for Stars, broke through the SuperSport defence early in the second half, but was crowded out as he set to shoot.

Dlamini then smashed another good effort goalward that flew just over the crossbar before a good save from Sangare to deny Thuso Phala after he had been played in by Rusike.

Ea Lla Koto captain Paulus Masehe was just off target on 54 minutes ahead of an own-goal by Richard Boateng on 56 minutes. Tchilimbou broke forward well down the right and cut the ball back for Siphelele Mthembu, whose shot hit the post and then Boateng before ending up in the back of the net.

Ronwen Williams may well have sparked his side's comeback with a fantastic save to keep out Tchilimbou as moments later, Modiba got himself well placed to fire a shot past the away stopper from inside the 18-yard area.

Stars though picked up the tempo once again, with Mobbie showing his class with an excellent set-piece to leave Williams with no chance.

But Mokoena, had earlier replaced Letsholonyane, stole in late on for a winning goal after some good build up play and pass from Grant Kekana.