Highlands Park took on Free State Stars in a Premiership clash on Sunday as the sides played out to a dramatic 2-2 draw.

Highlands got off to the perfect start as Edwin Sitayitayi put the side 1-0 up after just six minutes of action.

The game quickly turned into somewhat of a midfield battle as both sides suffocated the opposition, presenting little in the way of clear-cut chances. David Booysen and Danny Venter had the best of Stars’ chances, with Venter’s effort being well saved after 25 minutes.

Stars then shifted to a more direct style of play as they looked to make things happen, but ultimately neither side produced any clear-cut opportunities over the remainder of the first-half action.

The first opportunity of the second half came the way of Booysen when he headed wide before Thapelo Mothibe put Highlands 2-0 up by finding the back of the net with a header on the hour mark.

Stars dragged themselves back into the game almost immediately, however, as Thokozani Sekotlong found the back of the net after being played in by Venter just two minutes later.

Goodman Dlamini had a crack at goal on the 66th-minute mark before Thapelo Mathibe fired a free kick just wide. As time wore on, Stars began pushing hard for the equalising goal, as Venter again forced a save.

With the game entering extra time, Armand Ella broke Highlands hearts as he netted a crucial equaliser, earning his side a hard-fought draw away from home.