Cosmos applied their normal trick of displaying their rough skills in the opening minutes, with a view to killing the opponents' fighting spirit. They did not keep this up, as the referee, Simon Motau, flashed his first yellow card to Clint Sephadi for obstruction on Wonder Nhleko.
At that stage the game was 12 minutes old. Leopards missed a number of scoring opportunities in the first half. Rudzani Ramudzuli and Kelvin Mushangazhike let the Leopards' fans down by missing sitters in the 24th and 36th minute respectively.
Cosmos got one scoring chance in the first half and used it fruitfully. Bechu Tshimanga headed the ball home after a square pass from Dikgang Mabalane in the 40th minute, to bring the half-time score to 1-0. Rudzani Ramudzulu was replaced with Mulondo Sikhwivhilu early in the last half.
Mulondo Sikhwivhilu combined well with Wonder Nhleko and Mushangahzike at the forefront. He was trapped by Zondi Khanyile within the box and it was a clear penalty for Leopards. Christopher Netshidzivhe converted it into a goal. The homeside introduced Hlahla Mathebula for Wanani Mulaudzi in the 70th minute. His introduction has proved to be a clever move on the part of the Leopards technical staff. Mathebula initiated a move in the middle of the park and Wonder Nhleko unleashed a rocket that saw the Cosmos keeper, Avril Phadi, stretching to the limit to save the ball, causing a rebound. Mulondo Sikhwivhilu caught Phadi off guard and blasted in a rocket.