Black Leopards narrowed their chances of winning the league title after their 1-2 defeat at the hands of Cape Town All Stars in their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
Lidoda Duvha squandered three scoring chances within the first 20 minutes. At that stage, the visitors from the mother city were chasing the action. Leopards' left winger, Xolani Ndlovu, received a neat pass from Mwape Musonda inside the penalty box and unleashed aimlessly. The ball went far wide.
Moments later, Ivan Mahangwahaya dribbled past two defenders in a row and tried his luck from the edge of the box. The keeper of All Stars, Ludwe Mpakumpaku, easily saved the attempt.
Xolani Ndlovu of Leopards was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining an injury. He was replaced with Joseph Mhlongo towards the end of the first half.
The Stars opened their account two minutes into the second half. They were awarded a free kick in the 30-meter area and Mvalo Mseki beat the keeper. Leopards' technical staff effected two more changes to their starting line-up shortly afterwards. They introduced Thembi Nevhulamba and Karabo Tshepe for Eden Nene and Ivan Mahangwahaya respectively.
Adelbhola Aifimi, the Leopards' keeper, caused an upset in the 64th minute. He advanced out of the penalty box and Setelele Nyembezi of All Stars, who was in the perfect scoring position, scored with a half volley. Leopards' solitary goal came via Meshack Maphangule in the referee's optional time.