PRETORIA – Black Leopards fought hard to earn a league point in their Castle Premiership League match against Sundowns Football Club that was played at the Odi Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. The two teams scored one goal apiece.

Black Leopards were strong in all departments for the better part of the game but they failed to convert their chances. As if they had something to defend, the homeside abandoned their positions and packed themselves at the far back in the first twenty minutes.

They were severely punished for that when Christopher Netshidzivhe, the on-form Leopards midfielder-cum-striker, broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a thunderous shot that gave the Sundowns' keeper, André Arendse, no chance. The Thohoyandou outfit was still leading when the proceedings for the first half came to an end.

Sundowns found the equalizer five minutes into the last half via Hareaipha Marumo, who headed home a beautiful cross from a substitute, Daniel Mudau. Leopards' keeper, Walter Khumalo, pulled off a superb save to deny Marumo a brace in the 78th minute. Sundowns came back strongly towards the end of the game. Marumo, Mangoba Ngwenya and Clement Mazibuko gave Walter Khumalo a tough time as they continuously bombarded him with a series of powerful shots, until the final whistle was blown.

Meanwhile, Zulu Royals managed to beat Hellenic 2-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. That was the first win for Royals since the former Black Leopards coach Walter Rautmann joined them two months ago. Orlando Pirates drew 1-1 with Ajax Cape Town at the Rand Stadium.