After sharing the spoils with Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg two weeks ago, Black Leopards made amends and collected the maximum points against Royal Eagles. They beat the Eagles 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
The first half was characterized by rough tackles by the visitors from Durban. The Bloemfontein-born referee, Mr Nkosinathi Mahono, seemed to enjoy watching the dangerous tackles as he allowed the culprits to go unpunished. The Leopards' technical bench had to shout at the referee in the 19th minute. This when he remained silent after Phathutshedzo Nange was obstructed within the penalty box.
As if what he had done was not enough to upset the Leopards fans, Mahono denied Lidoda Duvha another clear penalty in the 27th minute. Leonard Ntshangase was brought down within the box. Instead of awarding a penalty to Leopards, Mahono did the opposite when he awarded a free kick against the home side instead.
The Leopards' killer striker, Ruggert Nyundu, squandered a scoring chance in the 36th minute. He dribbled past three defenders within the box before shooting wide, much to the disappointment of the team's fans. Leopards introduced Bongani Manana and Khunadi Nkoana for Marubini Manyane and Mpho Ramatapa respectively early in the last half.
Manana was on the field of play for 15 minutes only as he sustained injury in the 65th minute. He was replaced with Thembisani Nevhulamba. Nevhulamba formed a deadly combination with Ruggert Nyundu and Leonard Ntshangase on the attack.
The goal that earned the Thohoyandou side three vital points came in the 75th minute. Ruggert Nyundu headed home, following a square pass from Lebohang Mabotja. The Eagles' veteran defender, Mbulelo Mabizela, missed a fortune three minutes thereafter. His header went far wide, with the keeper already beaten.