The 2-0 victory for Black Leopards against Mbombela United in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday was not a true reflection of the game as Lidoda Duvha were all over the visitors from Nelspruit from the onset to the end.
The home side could have scored about half a dozen of goals during the first half, but their strikers seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots at home.
The Leopards' diminutive left back, Tsheamo Mashoene, was reprimanded with a card for dangerous play nine minutes into the game. He tackled Siphesihle Sangweni from behind just outside the box and the Durban-born referee, Mr Phila Khumalo, was quick to flash yellow.
The coach of United, Mr Ashwin Sutton, was forced to effect an early change to the team's starting line-up. This came after Thamsanga Masiya sustained a knee injury in the 19th minute. He was replaced with Siyanda Khumalo.
Mwape Musonda, the Leopards' sharpshooter, was unfortunate in the 24th minute. He received a neat pass from Meshack Maphangule and miskicked the ball within the box. Karabo Tshepe committed another blunder moments thereafter. He shot aimlessly from close range.
Leopards opened their account in the 29th minute. Karabo Tshepe headed home, following Joseph Mhlongo's brilliant pass. The score remained 1-0 until the end of the first half, despite numerous attempts by the Leopards' goal poachers.
Leopards used all their substitution chances in the last half. They replaced Joseph Mhlongo, Karabo Tshepe and Meshack Maphangule with Thembi Nevhulamba, Donald Makgetlwa and Thivhavhudzi Ndou respectively. They increased the lead in the 78th minute. Mwape Musonda blasted in a rocket, following Thembi Nevhulamba's square pass.
Nevhulamba was warned with a card for obstruction late in the game.