Leopards eliminate Pirates in shootout

Both teams came into the contest in top form with Leopards unbeaten in four matches, whereas Pirates had not tasted defeat in nine games in all competitions.

Asavela Mbekile, Innocent Maela, Musa Nyatama, Thembinkosi Lorch and Xola Mlambo all came back into the startling line-up for Bucs, whereas Leopards where virtually unchanged.

With that said, the first opening arrived for the hosts in the first 15 minutes.

Mwape Musonda found space to let rip a volley but his effort did not trouble Jackson Mabokgwane as it sailed over the bar.

Nonetheless, in the 32nd minute Justin Shonga made it 1-0 to Bucs with a fantastic free kick.

After a foul outside the area, the Zambia ace curled home beyond King Ndlovu. The strike came largely against the run of play.

However, Lidoda Duvha responded in the 40th minute as Mwape Musonda took advantage of poor handling by Mabokgwane to convert.

Just before the break Shonga had a great chance to complete his brace and make it 2-0, yet he fired over the top when he may have done better.

The second half was quiet until the final 20 minutes as Thembinkosi Lorch forced Ndlovu into a stunning save.

The 'keeper was in great form as he again stopped Paseko Mako with a point-blank save with the game entering the closing stages.

The game went to extra time with both sides creating half chances without scoring any goals. With that said, Lehlohonolo Masalesa saw red in the added period of time though it went to penalties.

Leopards would prevail as Alfred Ndengane missed from the spot before Joseph Mhlongo scored the winner as Mabokgwane went the wrong way.