Black Leopards registered their second victory in a row by beating Santos FC 2-0 in their NFD League match at the Makhuvha Stadium last Saturday.

Although the pitch was slippery, both sides managed to display entertaining football throughout the game. Black Leopards missed their fast forward, Rendani Ndou, in their match against Santos. Ndou was given his marching orders in their match against Witbank Spurs last Wednesday afternoon.

Xolani Mdaki of Santos was reprimanded with a card, following a late tackle on Jabulani Ndebele in the 10th  minute. That did not neutralize the visitors from Cape Town. They continued to fight collectively, although it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Leopards, which was marshaled by Harry Nyirenda and Marks Munyai.

Leopards’ left flank, Leonard Ntshangase, was out of touch. All his passes were intercepted, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans. Ntshangase was replaced with Karabo Tsepe nine minutes before the teams adjourned for the half-time break.

Santos’ veteran defender, Nasif Morris, was booked early in the last half for obstructing Edgar Manaka. Lidoda Duvha strengthened their striking force by introducing Abbas Amidu for Maboke Matlakala. Amidu formed a deadly combination with David Zulu at the forefront.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Karabo Tsepe received a brilliant pass from Edgar Manaka at the left corner. Instead of dishing a square pass to either David Zulu or Abbas Amidu, Tsepe took it upon himself and unleashed a ground cutter from an awkward angle. Santos’ keeper, Lee Langeveldt, could only watch the ball going beyond his reach. Amidu forced his way through the Santos defence and increased the tally in the 78th  minute. Santos lost hope after Leopards’ second goal.