The game looked set to end in deadlock until an error from Starke gifted Tamas Hajnal a late goal, consigning the side with the worst home record in the Bundesliga to defeat in front of their own fans.

Defeat for Duisburg leaves them in the second relegation place, three points from safety with an inferior goal difference.

Duisburg came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when Blagoy Georgiev's mazy run into the penalty area allowed him space to shoot, but his effort rebounded off the left post.

Karlsruhe were denied the chance to take the lead by home defender Michael Lamey who was alert to nick the ball off Sebastian Freis' toe, when he was poised to shoot from point-blank range.

Freis later lobbed Starke, only for Fernando Avalos to clear off the line.

But with time expiring the visitors were gifted a goal with nine minutes remaining.

Australia striker Joshua Kennedy chipped the ball into the box and Starke completely missed it, allowing Hajnal the simple task of an tapping in from six yards.