Colin Kazim-Richards was the hero for Fenerbahce, capping a lively performance with the only goal of the game as the Turkish side saw off Steaua Bucharest 1-0 in Group H of the Europa League.

Kazim-Richards was the chief threat for Fener in a pedestrian first half and converted a Roberto Carlos cross to earn his side the points midway through the second period

The win put Fener top of the group and left Steaua bottom.

There was little to get excited about in the opening exchanges with both sides limited to snapshots, Pantelis Kapetanos for Steaua in the opening 10 minutes the first to try his luck but sending his effort wide of the left-hand post.

At the other end, Ozer Hurmaci and Cristian Baroni shot from outside the box but could not find the target.

After 26 minutes, the match finally came to life as Robinson Zapata pulled off a double stop to keep Steaua on level terms.

First he denied Kazim-Richards, who shot from inside the box, then the follow-up from Mehmet Topuz before Hurmaci fired over the bar from the edge of the box.

Kazim-Richards was looking dangerous and his effort just after the half-hour mark was held by Zapata.

The former Sheffield United striker then drew yet another save from Zapata, who parried his effort, allowing Andre Santos to follow up but the Brazilian full-back sent his shot over the bar.

Kazim-Richards then won his side a free-kick, handing the last chance of the half to Topuz, who sent his strike into the wall.

Ten minutes after the break, Volkan Demirel was finally called on to make a meaningful save as he tipped Janos Szekely's effort round the post.

Fener heeded the warning, though, and scored almost immediately.

Roberto Carlos was the architect, crossing from the left for Kazim-Richards to finish from close range.

After 65 minutes, Kapetanos headed Szekely's cross goalwards but Volkan held on.

Volkan also kept out a Dayro Moreno free-kick, before turning Topuz's long-range effort round the post.

Teams

Steaua Bucuresti Zapata, Golanski, Baciu, Ghionea, Rada,Szekely (Moreno 67), Bicfalvi (Onicas 42), Toja, Nicolita,Kapetanos, Surdu.

Subs Not Used: Tatarusanu, Ochirosii, Ninu.

Booked: Golanski, Toja.

Fenerbahce Demirel, Gonul, Bilica, Lugano, Roberto Carlos,Belozoglu, Topuz, Cristian, Hurmaci (Wederson 70),Andre Santos (Bilgin 89), Kazim (Sahin 85).

Subs Not Used: Babacan, Turaci, Baris, Boral.

Booked: Lugano, Kazim, Belozoglu, Gonul.

Goals: Kazim 58.

Att: 17,000

Ref: Douglas McDonald (Scotland).