SUPERSPORT United coach Gavin Hunt's fear of the blazing afternoon heat at the Boland Stadium was justified as the Absa Premiership leaders and defending champions huffed and puffed to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ajax Cape Town yesterday.

SUPERSPORT United coach Gavin Hunt's fear of the blazing afternoon heat at the Boland Stadium was justified as the Absa Premiership leaders and defending champions huffed and puffed to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ajax Cape Town yesterday.

Daine Klate struck a powerful free-kick in the 16th minute to give United the lead.

The visitors should have increased their lead when they had the home defence in trouble time and again, but paid the penalty for failing to increase their tally when, against the run of play, Franklyn Cale did well to blast home the equaliser in the 34th minute.

Hunt complained this week about playing matches in the afternoon heat in summer and his concern was justified as United wilted badly after the break and were forced to hold on for a point and maintain their unbeaten away record this season.

United suffered a blow in the fifth minute when their goalkeeper Emile Baron was stretchered off with a head injury after he collided with Ajax striker Sifiso Vilakazi. Baron was replaced by Ugandan international Dennis Onyango.

United head the Premiership with 38 points. - Sapa