The much-talked about Vhembe derby between Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
It was a game of two halves as TTM were all over Leopards in the first half. It took TTM only four minutes to open their account. Their sprinter-striker, Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba, went loose from the right corner and beat the Leopards' keeper, Adelhbola Aifimi, with a ground cutter.
Lidoda Duvha lost cohesion in the middle of the park soon after TTM's goal.
Khuliso Mudau of Leopards was the first player to be reprimanded with a card. He tackled Killer Nedzamba from behind and the Giyani-based referee, Mr Victor Hlungwani, was quick to flash yellow. Carlington Nyadombo, TTM's centre back, was booked for wasting time in the 19th minute.
Leopards strengthened their striking force by introducing Joseph Mhlongo for Thembisani Nevhulamba towards the end of the first half. TTM were still leading when the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Leopards enjoyed more ball possession in the last half as TTM relied on counter-attacks. TTM introduced Pail Nuzhard for Khunadi Nkoana ten minutes into the second half. The wheel of fortune turned in favour of Lidoda Duvha in the 64th minute, when Xolani Ndlovu blasted in a rocket after scramble within the box.
TTM were lucky not to concede more goals in the last 20 minutes of the game. This after their defender, Carlington Nyadombo, was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. The keeper of TTM, Bongani Manavhela, was warned with a card for protesting against the referee's decision. Manavhela did not lose his fighting spirit after seeing yellow. He remained a live wire when his team was down, denying Lidoda Duvha numerous sure goals.
Leopards later replaced Mwape Musonda with Ivan Mahangwahaya, but they could not find the winning goal.