A back-and-forth tussle between Black Leopards and SuperSport United finished in a 1-1 draw at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
Both sides threatened the opposition goal in the early stages of the tie. A poor clearing header from Luke Fleurs put the visitors under pressure and George Chigova had to make the save, before Jamie Webber sent a shot wide at the other end of the pitch.
It didn't take long for the first goal to arrive. Sipho Mbule was found with room to exploit in the Leopards box and finished with precision to put United 1-0 ahead in the 17th minute.
Lidoda Duvha responded strongly and won a free kick in a promising position. Roderick Kabwe drilled the free kick on target and Chigova once again made a top save.
In the 27th minute the match was all square as the hosts scored their opener. A swift breakaway for Leopards concluded as Ovidy Karuru put the ball in the back of the net from close range for 1-1.
Webber was creating problems for Leopards and teed up Teboho Mokoena on the edge of the box, but his effort zipped wide of the target.
Chigova was in the thick of it again shortly after the half-time interval when Sanele Mathenjwa tried his luck with a low shot on goal. The United goalkeeper made a diving stop.
Neither side appeared to be satisfied with a point and continued pushing forward in search of the decisive goal.
United substitute Guily Manziba, who came on in the 56th minute, went on a marauding run from deep within his own half before cutting into the box and shooting, but well wide.
Kabwe then came within inches of putting Leopards in the lead with his shot from long range in the 72nd minute.
Evans Rusike then sent a headed attempt over the Leopards bar with five minutes left on the clock.
The attacking effort was there from both sides on the day but the finishing let them down and they had to settle for a point each in the end.