THOHOYANDOU – Black Leopards enjoyed more ball possession from the onset up to the bitter end in their Castle Premiership League match against Jomo Cosmos at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, but they finally suffered the pain of losing the game 1-2.

As usual, the home side was too strong in the middle of the park and fumbled with the finishing upfront. Cosmos took the lead in the 2nd minute. Russell Nwafulirwa unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Innocent Ntsume.

The eighth minute saw Lidoda Duvha opening their account. Jaconia Cibi received a pass from Christopher Netshidzivhe and ran a few steps forward before dishing the ball to Dingaan Masanabo, who gave it the final touch. There was a huge grumble from the Leopards supporters when their technical staff introduced Papi Gama for Wonder Nhleko.

The fans were against the move saying the player who was supposed to have been replaced was Rudzani Ramudzuli who was evidently down and out. The Cosmos winning goal was scored in the 16th minute. Issau kanyenda headed home following a square pass from Tebogo Mokoena.

Black Leopards suffered a blow early in the second half. They were forced to replace the injured left back, Godfrey Ramudzuli with their Mozambican international, Fernando Matola. They later exhausted their substitution chances by introducing Duncan Lechesa for Rudzani Ramudzuli.

The captain of Leopards, Thokozani Mnguni was cautioned for unsporting conduct. Two players of Cosmos, Issau Kanyenda and Innocent Ntsume were also cautioned for rough play and time wasting respectively.