Black Leopards were too strong for Jomo Cosmos and beat them 1-0 in their NFD match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Cosmos played defensive football throughout the game, only relying on counter attacks. Leopards’ keeper, Avhashoni Tshinuna, was reduced to a mere spectator during the first 20 minutes of the game as it was not necessary for him to save any attempts at goal.

At that stage Lidoda Duvha were all over Cosmos, but they could not find their way through the rock-solid defence of Cosmos. Realizing that their left winger, Bongani Manana, was out of touch, Leopards coach, Mr Zeca Marques, replaced him with their new signee, Ruggert Nyundu, in the 37th minute.

Cosmos' keeper, Sherywn Naicker, was made to work overtime in the opening minutes of the first half. He stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save after Sanele Mkhize unleashed a shot from the left corner. Mkhize was replaced with Morgan Shivambu in the 59th minute and Cosmos introduced Charlton Mashumab for Tumisang Mashele two minutes later.

Nyundu came close to scoring in the 64th minute. He received a beautiful pass from Leonard Ntshangase and unleashed a volley from the edge of the box. The ball missed the target by inches, much to the disappointment of the fans. The boys were, however, separated from the men in the 74th minute. Nyundu beat the keeper with a ground cutter following a neat pass from Mumuni Abubakar.

The Leopards centre back, Dunga Munganga, was reprimanded with a card for wasting time in the 78th minute and a few minutes later he received his marching orders. He was booked again, this time for obstruction just outside the box.

Leopards then abandoned their positions and played defensive football to protect their lead for the remaining part of the game.

The results of the other NFD matches played on Wednesday are: Maluti FET College 2, Santos 1; Thanda Royal Zulu 1, Baroka FC 0; Highlands Park 1, Garankuwa United 0; FC Cape Town 2, African Wanderers 0; Royal Eagles 2, Vasco da Gama 0; Cape Town All Stars 2, Witbank Spurs 0 and Golden Arrows 2, Milano United AFC 0.