THOHOYANDOU - Black Leopards were forced to swallow the humble pie, when they lost 1-2 to Jomo Cosmos in their Castle Premiership League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday night (April 10).

The victory has restored a little hope that Cosmos can still win the league championship. The game started at a fast tempo with Cosmos enjoying the possession of the ball, especially on the flanks. The marksman of Leopards, Sbusiso Dlamini, was lucky not to go into the referee’s book after kicking Thabang Molefe in front of the assistant referee.

Cosmos exerted more pressure to the back line of Leopards resulting in the sweeper of the host, Jacob Tshisevhe deflecting the ball back into his own net while trying to clear. At that stage the game was 35 minutes old. Leopards fortified their strike force by introducing Rudzani Ramudzuli for Richard Lishivha, who was evidently out of touch.

The score was still 1-0 at half time. Leopards’ chances of winning the game became slim when Ezinkosi registered their second goal in the 50th minute. Esau Kanyenda overpowered the defender of Leopards, Ndindeleni Ramukosi and sent in a rocket.

The home side used all their substitution chances when they replaced Ramukosi and Christopher Netshidzivhe with Mpho Dagada and Mulondo Sikhwivhilu respectively. Rudzani Ramudzuli, Magic Ratshivhadelo and Sbusiso Dlamini were all cautioned for the various infringements. Leopards pulled one back through Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, after he received a neat pass from Dlamini within the box.

Lidoda Duvha tried hard to find the equalizer but it was difficult for them to penetrate through the defence of Cosmos that was marshaled by Hilton Jordaan. Dikgang Mabalane of Cosmos was crowed the man of the match and he went home with a cheque of R1500 and a trophy.