Cape Town - Free State Stars handed Maritzburg United their second straight defeat of the Absa Premiership season when they beat the Team of Choice 2-1 at Goble Park on Wednesday.

The hosts came out the stronger and went close in the opening stages as Goodman Dlamini found space but fired his effort wide in the first minute.

Nonetheless, the away outfit came close themselves as Mxolisi Kunene went past two defenders before firing over the bar inside the first 20 minutes.

It was a tight affair although Dlamini once more showed an attacking threat as he shot on target, though his strike did little to trouble Richard Ofori in the goal.

With that said, it was the away outfit who were not far from hitting the front in the second stanza. Siphesihle Ndlovu got himself into a pocket of space though his strike did not test Badra Ali Sangare greatly.

However, Ea Lla Koto took the advantage in the 65th minute as Harris Tchilimbou converted from the spot when a foul occurred inside the penalty area.

The home outfit extended their advantage in the closing stages as Dlamini struck home beautifully outside of the box following good work from Judas Moseamedi.

Fadlu Davids' men were able to find a late consolation at the death through new signing Makgalwa, who arrived from Mamelodi Sundowns, though it was not enough as Stars collected the three points.