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Cape Town - Lesedi Kapinga's first-half goal proved the difference as Black Leopards edged out Maritzburg United 1-0 at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday for their first win of the Premiership campaign.
With the first half winding down, Leopards broke the deadlock when Kapinga slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, and with Maritzburg failing to convert from the penalty in the second stanza, it was the visitors who walked away with all three points.
After a cautious start from both teams, the match eventually sprang to life in the 21st minute when Judas Mosemaedi forced Leopards keeper Jonas Mendes into making a low, diving save to his right.
Another chance presented itself on 35 minutes, when Mosemaedi headed the ball towards the back post, but Siyanda Xulu was unable to capitalise as he fired straight into the keeper's grateful arms on the half-volley.
Maritzburg were made to pay for that missed opportunity just minutes later as Kapinga fired into the bottom corner from close range after being teed up by Musonda Mwape.
The goal-scoring chances were few and far between after the break, with neither side able to stamp their authority on proceedings.
The hosts were handed a glorious chance to level matters with ten minutes remaining on the clock, following a handball in the box.
However, Mendes again underlined his importance as he got down well to his right to deny Mosemaedi's spot-kick.
And that was the last chance of note as Leopards held firm in the remaining minutes to clinch what could turn out to be a crucial three-point haul come the end of the campaign.
The Team of Choice, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the 2019/20 season, having recorded two draws and two defeats in their opening four games.
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