Black Leopards welcomed their new head coach, Mr Sello Chokoe, in a dignified manner when they beat African Warriors 2-1 in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
Although the visitors from the Free State Province were the first to blow the trumpet in the first half, Lidoda Duvha did not stop playing their normal entertaining football. They continued to press hard, knocking on the opposition's door constantly.
Warriors were the first to effect changes to their starting 11. They replaced Ayanda Nzimande with Mfundo Nsele in the 18th minute. Two Leopards players, Lebohang Mabotja and Themba Mabuyango, were reprimanded with yellow cards within a short space of time. Mabotja found himself on the wrong side of the law by tackling Jerry Nkoana from behind in the 25th minute, while Mabuyango obstructed Lucas Ngwenya two minutes later.
Leopards conceded a silly goal in the 34th minute. Warriors were awarded a corner that was taken by Gift Sithole. As if they were spectators, the defenders for Leopards watched how Ange Lebahi scored with a free header.
The home side replaced Bongani Manana with Khunadi Nkoana two minutes into the last half. Another Leopards' player, Kgabo Mashiane, was warned with a card for dangerous play in the 55th minute. Realizing that time was fast running out for them, Leopards tried their luck by replacing Ndamulelo Mungadi and Themba Mabuyango with Thembisani Nevhulamba and Thulani Shivambu respectively in the 67th minute.
Lidoda Duvha found the equalizer two minutes before the end of the regulation time. Khunadi Nkoana hooked in the ball, following a neat pass from Lebohang Mabotja. An optional five minutes referee's time were added at the end of the regulation time. Black Leopards were awarded a free kick in the third minute of the referee's optional time. Thulani Shivambu headed home to bring the final score to 2-1.