THOHOYANDOU – Black Leopards failed to impress their home crowd, when they unexpectedly played to a 3-3 draw with Thembisa Classic in their Castle Premiership at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

The game was not a true reflection of the game as Lidoda Duvha squandered numerous chances in the opening minutes. The left flank of Leopards, Sbusiso Dlamini wasted three chances in a row and he was replaced with Mulondo Sikhwivhilu.

Tumelo Mofokeng opened the Classic account in the 20th minute after receiving a neat pass from Martin Matsitela. Classic did not have enough time to celebrate their goal as the home side found the equaliser via Stanley Sibeko seven minutes thereafter.

Things turned against Classic when Leopards took the lead five minutes later through Jaftha Mabosho. Mofokeng caught the Leopards' keeper, Joel Masutha off guard three minutes before interval, to bring the half time score to 2-2.

Stanely Sibeko was brought down by Johannes Khumalo in the penalty box of Yizo Yizo and the referee Daniel Bennet was quick to award a penalty to Leopards. Christopher Netshidzivhe converted it into a living goal in the 70th minute.

The equaliser for the Thembisa side was an honour for Collins Mthunzi. Vusi Kharivhe was trapped by Lincoln Mackett within the box of Classic and it was another penalty for Leopards. This time the home team missed a fortune, as Netshidzivhe shot wide from the white spot. Although Mackett was given a red card for that infringement, Leopards failed to capitalise on the setback.