After dropping league points in their first four matches, Black Leopards made amends and registered their first victory by beating Baroka FC 2-0 in their Limpopo derby at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Leopards pushed forward from the first whistle, with their strikers, Sanele Mkize and Leonard Ntshangase, showing a great appetite for goals.

Baroka spent the better part of the first half running for cover as Lidoda Duvha were unstoppable. Leopards’ overlapping right back, Marks Munyai, missed a fortune in the 14th minute. He forced his way through the defence of Baroka, but his volley went a little wide.

The home side took the lead in the 20th minute. Harry Nyirenda, the Malawian international, dished a neat pass to Sanele Mkize, who unleashed from inside the box. The keeper of Baroka, Oscarine Masuluke, watched helplessly as the ball went far beyond his reach. The referee, Mr Shane Chuma, warned Gift Motupa of Baroka with a card in the 27th minute following a late tackle on Leonard Ntshangase.

Baroka committed suicide by continuing to play defensive football even after conceding the first goal. In the 34th minute, Marks Munyai blasted in a rocket from the edge of the box. The keeper of Baroka palmed the ball back into the net while trying to save it.

Baroka introduced Brian Kgafane for Excellent Makobane towards the end of the first half.

Leopards continued to play entertaining football in the last half. They introduced Thomas Madimba and Ivan Mahangwahaya for Lyod Davhana and Samuel Tefu.  Baroka started to play attacking football as the game progressed. That prompted Leopards to abandon their positions and pack themselves at the far back.

Leopards strengthened their defence by replacing their striker, Leonard Ntshangase, with a defender, Dunga Mungana, late in the game.