SuperSport recalled Siyabonga Nhlapo to the defence, while Ghampani Lungu and Iqraam Rayners were included in the attack, as Celtic welcomed back captain Ndumiso Mabena and Jackson Mabokgwane.
Matsatsantsa were presented the first opening five minutes from the start after Bongani Khumalo got on the end of a corner-kick, but Mabokgwane stayed on his line to thwart the header.
Mabena capped his return in style 15 minutes gone after he sliced through the centre of defence to go clear with Ronwen Williams before applying a composed finish for the opening goal.
Siwele Sa Masele were forced into a substitution due to injury on 27 minutes with Lantshane Phalane removed following a knock and replaced by Given Mashikinya.
SuperSport were cut open again from the far side ten minutes to halftime when Siphelele Luthuli looked for a near post finish from close-range, but Williams was out to narrow the angle.
Kaitano Tembo made a switch after halftime, as Jamie Webber made way for Ugandan Moses Waiswa whilst trailing their counterparts.
The change sparked the hosts to life and drew level on 50 minutes when Lungu made the most of a rash defensive clearance to bundle home a loose ball.
A goalkeeping change for Siwelele midway in the second half had Mabokgwane removed for Sipho Chaine following an injury, with United giving Evans Rusike a return from a long layoff.
Chaine's first piece of action was an outstretched save from Teboho Mokoena's curling drive from the area seven minutes from time, while Mabena went close from a free-kick at the other end.
As the rain bucketed down, both sides struggled to string chances together in the remaining minutes, thus cancelled out each other instead ahead of next weekend's second leg in the Free State.
SuperSport: Williams, Nhlapo, Khumalo, Daniels, Mahachi, Mokoena, Rayners, Webber, Lungu, Gabuza, Grobler.
Celtic: Mabokgwane, Ngobeni, Luthuli, Mahashe, Mabena, Chabalala, Fikizolo, Phalane, Baloyi, Letsoalo, Pfumbidzai
Subs: Chaine, Rikhotso, Potsane, Njoti, Sera, Mangweni, Mashikinya, Masuku, Lingwati.