Leopards took a surprise lead in the 28th minute through the 21-year-old Japheth Mabosho, who was quick to punish the sometimes sluggish Chiefs defence.

However, the home side bounced back as they threw everything at the visitors only to see their efforts cleared. At some point, Leopards appeared to be heading for their second league defeat until the very last minute.

Chiefs, or rather Thokozani Mnguni, equalised matters with only two minutes to go in the first half as Leopards succumbed to pressure as the defender scored in his own net to see the teams go into half time with a goal apiece.

The own goal was the youngster's second against Amakhosi, the first scored last season in the colours of relegated Bloemfontein Celtic as Chiefs went to win that match 1-0.

Chiefs made early inroads on 14 minutes with Jossias Macamo feeding Jabu Pule but his attempt was cleared.

Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi, who passed a late medical test to lead his side into this encounter, was once again at his ussual best as he produced a fine save in 23rd minute to deny Christopher Netshidzivhe as Leopards made their first threatening visit into Chiefs territory.

Chiefs made a double substitution at the beginning of the second half, introducing the former Orlando Pirates and African Wanderers striker Phumlani Mkhize and sacrificing Kenny Niemach, while Macamo made way for defender-cum-midfielder Nhlanhla Kubeka.

Kubeka was immediately called into action but his first effort on the 58th minute mark went wide to the frustration of the home fans and teammates.

It was again Kubeka, who set up Pule a minute later, but the latter's shot was brilliantly blocked by Conrad Hendricks and Mkhize could not finish off the rebound.

Chiefs were still on the offensive and after Mkhize had beaten Hendricks, Arthur Zwane could nott believe his eyes as his long shot agonisingly sailed past the empty net. Pule's attempt, moments later, also failed as he could not connect with the ball.

Leopards coach Gavin Hunt reacted with a double substitution as he brought on Mpho Dagada for goalscorer Mabosho and Vusi Kharivhe for Shaun Oliver.

Leopards were constantly under attack and forced to defend with their backs against the wall. As Chiefs pilled on the pressure, Leopards were forced to make errors.

Chiefs took the lead on 71 minutes following a great combination between Zwane and second half substitute Kubeka. The Amakhosi academy graduate delivered a cross intended for Stanton Fredericks but instead Raymond Seneo helped the ball into his own net to give the Naturena outfit the lead.

Seneo was immediately replaced by Stanley Sibeko as Leopards tried to minimise their mistakes at the back.

There was a huge sigh of relief from the Leopards camp as Mulondo Sikwivhilu fired home a loose ball following a well-taken corner by Christopher Netshidzivhe.

The Chiefs defence failed to clear a first attempt by Coxwell Ratshivhadelo and Sikhwivilu found himself at the right place at the time to blast home the equaliser.

The only time Leopards had lost against the Glamour Boys was in the BobSave Super Bowl last season.

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: 16-Brian Baloyi, 10-Stanton Fredericks, 5-Patrick Mabedi, 23-Jossias Macamo (6-Nhlanhla Kubeka 46th), 22-Nhlanhla Mathebula (24-Isaac Mabotsa 79th), 25-Marco Mthembu, 20-Kenny Niemach (26-Phumlani Mkhize 46th), 4-Cyril Nzama, 11-Jabu Pule, 3-Rodney Thobejane, 18-Arthur Zwane.

Subs: 1-Rowen Fernandez, 6-Nhlanhla Kubeka, 24-Isaac Mabotsa, 13-Thabiso Malatsi, 9-Lucky Maselesele, 27-Gerald Sibeko, 26-Phumlani Mkhize.

Coach: Muhsin Ertugral.

Black Leopards: 30-Conrad Hendricks, 24-Raymond Seneo (6-Stanley Sibeko 75th), 23-Godfrey Ramudzwi, 22-Thokozani Mnguni, 26-Augustine Mabuya, 17-Wonanni Mulaudzi, 14-Shaun Oliver (18-Vusi Kharivhe 64th), 10-Japheth Mabosho (20-Mpho Dagada 64th), 9-Coxwell Ratshivhadelo, 19-Mulonda Sikhwivilu, 11-Christopher Netshidzivhe.

Subs: 20-Mpho Dagada, 16-Sydwell Makhubu, 4-Johannes Pilusa, 8-Johannes Nkande, 18-Vusi Kharivhe, 6-Stanley Sibeko, 13-Joel Masutha.

Coach: Gavin Hunt.