The supporters of Black Leopards left the Thohoyandou Stadium in shock Saturday after their team was unexpectedly held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-of-the-log Moroka Swallows in their NFD a League match.
Just like in their previous five matches, Black Leopards played entertaining football, but failed to convert their chances.
The coach of Swallows, Mr Goodman Mazibuko, was forced to effect an early change to his starting line-up when he replaced the injured Khanyisani Sithole with Edwin Sitayitayi in the 14th minute. Leopards strengthened their striking force by introducing Thembisani Nevhulamba for Bongani Manana in the 24th minute.
The home side missed numerous scoring chances in the first half. Their diminutive striker, Marubini Manyane, received a neat pass from Meshack Maphangule and shot wide with the keeper already beaten. The Leopards' bulldozer striker, Ruggert Nyundu, suffered the pain of watching his header going a little wide a few minutes later.
Leopards approached the second half with more self-confidence. That forced the visitors from Soweto to concede a penalty four minutes into the last half. A defender of Swallows, Sabelo Madi, handled the ball within his own penalty box. Ruggert Nyundu converted from the white spot.
Leopards missed a fortune in the 67th minute. They were awarded another penalty after Msekeli Mvalo handled the ball within the box. Nyundu shot straight to the keeper, Aubrey Mathibe. Nyundu's fighting spirit dropped dramatically after missing the penalty. He was replaced with Phathutshedzo Nange.
Leopards were reduced to 10 men when Meshack Maphangule was given his marching orders, following a late tackle on Tsepo Moloto. Aleni Lebyane, who came on as a substitute, scored Swallows' equalizer with a header nine minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.