Joe Express have reason to celebrate as they beat the log leaders, Bellevue Winners Park, 2-1 in their ABC Motsepe League match at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday.

The game started at a slow pace, with both teams taking their time to study each other’s weak and strong points. Joe Express began to play attacking football after realizing that there was nothing to fear.

The wheel of fortune turned against the visitors from Tzaneen in the 18th minute. Their defender, Kamogelo Mogaswa, handled the ball in his own penalty area. That prompted the Giyani-based referee, Mr Sphiwe Nyambi, to award the home side a penalty. Their leading goal scorer, Thembisani Nevhulamba, converted from the penalty spot.

The Express midfielder, Ishmael Jimo, was booked for protesting against the referee’s decision in the 24th minute. Winners Park missed a fortune in the 29th minute. Their centre forward, Khomotso Mohale, was brought down within the box. That was a clear penalty. Walter Chuma shocked his fans when he shot straight to the keeper, Thanyani Netshipale, who executed a brilliant save.

Winners Park found the equaliser in the 36th minute. Bonginkosi Hlope beat the keeper with a long-range ground cutter. Dakalo Ratshitanga of Express was warned with card for a continued argument with the referee two minutes before half time.

Joe Express lost cohesion in the midfield in the opening minutes of the last stanza. They were lucky not to concede a number of goals at that stage, thanks to their acrobatic goalkeeper, who remained a live wire when the whole team was down.

Winners Park replaced Rendani Madega with Mpho Masenamela in the 57th minute. Joe Express responded by introducing Dzivhuluwani Simba and Mashudu Tshitaka for Ishmael Jimo and Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali respectively. Tshitaka made his presence felt when he connected Thembisani Nevhulamba’s square pass in the 84th minute to give his side a 2-1 victory.