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With an already swelling casualty ward, Highlanders were dealt a huge setback as trusted defender Peter Dlamini could not last beyond the first 30 minutes.

Vusumuzi Vilakati was also away on suspension, with Mandla Palma called in to perform the defensive duties in central defence.

It took six minutes for the visitors to unsettle the opponents, as Mokenkoane squeezed past a forest of bodies to fire home from close range after he was set up by ‘Mzoro’, following a quick counterattack.

Highlanders were still living dangerously at the back but almost restored parity from a curled free kick outside the box.

Siwakhile Shongwe saw his audacious effort from about 20 yards out shaving the crossbar.

Leopard ensured that they doubled their advantage just before the break, as ‘Mzoro’ connected a Junior Magagula free kick in the box with a neat header.

Attack

On resumption of play, Highlanders had thrown everything into attack.

They restricted the opposition to defending in most instances and Leopard had no shot on target after the recess.

After repeatedly banging hard on Leopard’s door, the capital city giants eventually pulled one back in the 50th minute, as Mkhonto looped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini to half the deficit.

After scoring, Highlanders were all over the opposition. Then a minute into added time came the controversial moment when the penalty appeal was turned down after the ball shaved Msibi’s hand from a Palma shot.

The home fans roared in anger, with some pushing and shoving with marshals. On-duty security was stretched, but eventually restored order.

The final whistle confirmed Highlanders’ worst fears, as they suffered their first defeat under new Coach Solomon ‘Solly’ Luvhengo.