In the GladAfrica Championship, Sekhukhune United dropped vital points at home during a 1-1 draw with TS Sporting, Polokwane City thumped Jomo Cosmos 3-0 and Richards Bay FC overpowered Uthongathi FC 2-1 to take a three-point lead.
In addition, University of Pretoria beat Cape Town Spurs 2-0, Pretoria Callies pipped Steenberg United 1-0 and Free State Stars put another nail in Bizana Pondo Chiefs' coffin with a 2-1 victory.
Babina Noko opened the score in the 20th minute at Makhulong Stadium via Thabang Sibanyoni's neat header as they gradually took control of a heated match before appearing to give Abantu Bemthetho the advantage late in the second half.
That's when Kamohelo Sithole leveled matters with a well-struck spot kick and moments later almost grabbed the winner but his shot was saved.
The Cane Cutters took an early lead when Sinethemba Mngomezulu slotted home a penalty after being brought down by an opponent and dominated the opening period as far as corners were concerned.
The Natal Rich Boyz almost drew level but Khanyisa Mayo's free kick was expertly saved by Xolani Ngcobo and the same 'keeper also stopped Thabo Maphakisa Maphakisa's spot kick.
But it didn't take long before Mayo's brace put the issue beyond doubt.
Pressure was eased on AmaTuks' head coach, Tlisane Motaung, following his first victory in Pretoria since 5 December 2020 whereas the Urban Warriors' troubles continued following successful finishes from Mathuane Selotola and Sanele Barns.
Tuks therefore claimed a seventeenth point, four more than Spurs and Steenberg United, who lost for the eighth time when the well-travelled Thabiso Nkoana hit the Romans' winner at Idas Valley.
Although there were no goals in Gauteng between title-chasing JDR Stars and Royal AM, both outfits moved level with Sekhukhune at the half-way point, which means the second round should be extremely exciting.
It was a similar score during the tight Mother City derby that saw Cape United and Cape Town All Stars produce some action-packed moments but nobody broke the deadlock.
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