Orlando Pirates suffered a 3-2 defeat against Free State Stars in a five-goal thriller, while Bidvest Wits claimed a 2-0 win over Platinum Stars in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

Stars got off to a bright start and took the lead as early as the third minute, when Moeketsi Sekola latched on to a long ball before firing the ball past Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo from 12-yards out to make it 1-0.

Ea Lla Koto then doubled their lead in the 14th minute when Paulus Masehe guided his header into the far corner after latching on to Sinethemba Jantjie’s free-kick.

However, the Buccaneers pulled a goal back in the 23rd minute when Thembinkosi Lorch’s strike deflected on to the woodwork and then went in, off Thela Ngobeni to make it 2-1.

Stars restored their two-goal lead five minutes later when Mohammed Anas curled his superb effort into the back of the net from 20 yards out.

The visiting side were awarded a penalty at the stroke of halftime, when Oupa Manyisa was brought down in the box. Tendai Ndoro stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake to convert the spot-kick.

Stars should have extended their lead in the 66th minute, but Anas failed to beat Mhlongo from point-blank range after he was played through on goal by Jantjie.

Ea Lla Koto had another chance at goal in the 80th minute, but Sekola blazed his effort wide of the target from six yards out.

The visitors piled on the pressure in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but were unable to break down the Stars defence as they stretched their winless run in the Absa Premiership to 13 games.

Meanwhile, Bidvest Wits moved to the top of the Absa Premiership table with a 2-0 victory against Platinum Stars at the Bidvest Stadium through goals by Phakamani Mahlambi and Daine Klate.