Humphrey Khoza struck twice, to go with efforts from Joshua Obaje and Thomas Madimba, while Alexandru Oprica and Munganga Djunga netted for the visitors at Giyani Stadium.

Lidoda Duvha, who will contest the return leg in a fortnight, started brightly as Khoza nodded in a corner at the near post nine minutes in.

Soon after Obaje skipped past two challenges before ballooning his effort over the cross bar from just outside the box.

The hosts continued to press as Madimba fired wide in the 20th minute.

At the other end, Oprica drilled a free-kick narrowly over, although Leopards goalkeeper Azwindini Maphaha had it covered.

However, Oprica struck in the 26th minute with a calm finish into the top left corner after being teed up in the middle of the area.

Oprica, who has four league goals in the DRC this season, scuffed a shot a minute later as Maphaha gratefully gathered the bobbling ball.

Leopards then scored twice just before the break as Khoza converted another corner in the 43rd minute before Obaje pounced on the rebound from close range.

Moments before Obaje had a headed goal controversially disallowed.

After the interval, Maphaha made a fantastic one-on-one stop to preserve his team's two-goal cushion before Madimba extended the lead in the 52nd minute. Madimba burst down the left flank before beating keeper Kabeye Ntumba at the near post from a tight angle.

The visitors, though, refused to roll over as Djunga pulled one back in the 62nd minute. Djunga thundered in from outside the area, with Maphaha getting a weak hand to the ball.

Saint Eloi Lupopo had the better of the chances in the latter stages, although Leopards had an effort cleared off the line with five minutes to go.

Black Leopards: Azwindini Maphaha, Moses Kwena, Vincent Mabusela, Humphrey Khoza, Tintswalo Tshabalala, Mahlatse Maake, Edgar Manaka (Mabunda 69'), Davie Banda, Thomas Madimba, Joshua Obaje, David Zulu.

Saint Eloi Lupopo: Kabeye Ntumba, Kitumbo Mpiana, Kitoti Myiko, Lenga Bahu, Lamboto Mabiala, Mwanza Muloji, Munganga Djunga, Carington Comba, Delo Landa, Alexandru Oprica, Tamundele Ziunga.

Goals: Humphrey Khoza (Leopards 9', 43'), Alexandru Oprica (Lupopo 26'), Joshua Obaje (Leopards 45'), Thomas Madimba (Leopards 52'), Munganga Djunga (Lupopo 62').