In their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, Black Leopards held Jomo Cosmos to a thrilling 1-1 draw.
The Thohoyandou outfit started the game like a house on fire with their strikers, Roggert Nyundu, Thembisani Nevhulamba and the Zambian international, Musonda Mwape, giving the Cosmos defenders no time to breathe. It took the home side only eight minutes to open their account. Sphelele Mkhulise's corner kick was headed home by Mwape Musonda .
The Leopards' technical team was forced to effect an early change. They replaced their injured left back, Andiswa Ndawonde, with Katlego Molomo in the 26th minute.
Realizing that it would be difficult for them to match the Limpopo side, Cosmos tried to frustrate Leopards with their rough tackles. The East London-born referee, Mr Lwandile Mfiki, refused to see any of the culprits go unpunished. He warned two Cosmos players, Thato Sithole and Mxolisi Macuphu, with yellow cards towards the end of the first half.
The visitors introduced Brice Aka for Thato Sithole three minutes into the last half. The replacement marked the turning point of the game as Leopards started to play defensive football afterwards. A clearing error by the Leopards centre back, Djunga Munganga, gave rise to Cosmos's equalizing goal.
Munganga lost hope after losing possession to Brice Aka just outside the box. Instead of challenging for the ball again, Munganga watched as Brice Aka beat the keeper with a half volley.
Leopards introduced Mumuni Abubakar and Mziwokuthula Zimu for Ndamulelo Mungadi and Thembisani Nevhulamba respectively. That did not change the complexion of the game as Cosmos continued to knock on Leopards' door until the final whistle.