A second-half comeback was not good enough to save Black Leopards from Supersport United, who beat them 3-2 in their Absa Premiership League match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.

It took Superpsort United only five minutes to open their account. Bradley Grobler beat the Leopards keeper, Azwinndini Maphaha, with a ground cutter. As if they were hypnotized, the Leopards defence lost cohesion soon after the home side’s initial goal.

They conceded the second goal in the 24th minute. Their Nigerian striker, Joshua Obaje, abandoned his position and went back to assist his defenders. Pressure continued to mount on the Leopards defence and ultimately Obaje handled the ball within his own penalty area. The Eastern Cape referee, Mr Lwandile Mfiki, awarded a penalty to Matsatsantsa a Pitori. Kermit Erasmus converted from the white spot.

The home side continued with their dominance, with the visitors from Limpopo chasing the action. It was in the 36th minute when Supersport increased the margin to 3-0. Erasmus hooked in the ball after a scramble within the box.

Supersport tampered with their starting lineup when they introduced Thabiso Nkoana for Attusayo Nyondo towards the end of the first half. Leopards sacrificed David Zulu for Raymond Monama earlier in the last half.

Lidoda Duvha pulled one back through Tiyani Mabunda. He caught the Supersport keeper napping and scored with a close-range rocket. Leopards later replaced their captain, Mongezi Bobe, with their Zimbabwean international, Abbas Amidu.

Rodney Ramagalela headed home in the 85th minute to bring the full-time score to 3-2.