PRETORIA – Black Leopards came back with empty hands from their away Castle Premiership fixture against Sundowns Football Club. They lost 0-2 in their thrilling game that was played at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.

Sbusiso Dlamini the Leopards' Swaziland international caused an upset two minutes into the game. He received a neat pass fro Duncan Lechesa and shot straight to the stranded Sundowns keeper, Ronny Kananelo. The Sundowns marksman, Dan Semake was booked for a foul on Sbusiso Dlamini three minutes thereafter.

Bongani Masangane, the Leopards defender, went into the referee's book for an infringement on Victor Dos Santos. Leopards received a hard blow when they lost Christopher Netshidzivhe who sustained an injury on the head in the 18th minute.

Netshidzivhe was replaced with Mangoba Mkhize. Sundowns were 1-0 up when the teams adjourned for half time. Victor Dos Santos won the ball in his man-to-man scramble for the ball with the Leopards' keeper, Walter Khumalo and sent the ball to the empty net in the 40th minute.

The referee, Simon Motau reprimanded Jonas Mavimbela of Leopards with a card for rough tackling on Mangoba Mkhize. Leopards realized that it was not their day when their goal that was scored by Mulondo Sikhiwvhilu was disallowed on the basis that the scorer was on the offside position.

Leopards replaced Wanani Mulaudzi and Japtha Mabosho with Rudzani Ramudzuli and Dingaan Masanabo respectively. Victor Dos Santos sent in a rocket from the 35m area to bring the score to 2-0 in the 60th minute. Dos Santos was later replaced with Ishmael Maluleke.