Black Leopards are almost through to the next round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup, after beating Saint Eloi Lupopo FC 4-2 in their first-leg match at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday.

Although most of the players who featured in their match against Lupopo are not regular players, Leopards displayed entertaining football throughout. It was in the sixth minute that they scored their opening goal. Their aggressive defender, Humphrey Khoza, was on target with a header, following a corner kick by Mahlatse Maake.

Leopards did not have enough time to celebrate their goal. Their joy was cut short when the visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo retaliated via Alexandra Oprica. He unleashed from outside the box. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line.

The home side were awarded another corner kick in the 29th minute. Humphrey Khoza headed home again to make it 2-1. Lupopo lost shape in the middle of the park and they were punished for that. Their keeper, Kabeya Ntumba, mishandled the ball, following Davie Banda’s ground cutter. Joshua Obaje finished off the rebound.

Black Leopards replaced Edgar Manaka with Tiyani Mabunda in a bid to solidify their midfield. Mabunda combined well with Davie Banda and Thomas Madimba in their effort to neutralize the opponents. Thomas Madimba forced his way through the defence of Lupopo and scored easily in the 78th minute.

Saint Lupopo did not lose hope, despite the fact that it was clear that Leopards were the victors. They reduced the margin nine minutes before the final whistle. Ijunga Nunganga released from outside the box and the Leopards’ keeper, Azwinndini Maphaha, palmed the ball into his own net while trying to clear.