Black Leopards came back from a 0-1 deficit to beat Royal Eagles 2-1 in their NFD match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

As usual, Black Leopards did not include their scoring machine, Ruggert Nyundu, in their starting line-up. Nyundu only came on as a substitute for Jonathan King ten minutes into the game. At that stage, the visitors from Durban were enjoying more ball possession.

Their efforts did not pass without reward as they found the net in the 24th minute. Their fast forward, Sean Ledwaba, was brought down by Jean Munganga within the box. The Grahamstown-based referee, Mr Lwandile Mfiki, awarded a penalty to Eagles as a result.  Their captain, Walter Maponyane, showed the Leopards’ keeper, Avhashoni Tshinuna, the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The goal seemed to be a real insult to the home side. They retaliated two minutes afterwards. Their overlapping midfielder, Samuel Tefu, blasted in a rocket, following a heartbreaking scramble within the penalty area.

Lidoda Duvha replaced Samuel Tefu with Morgan Shivambu early in the second half. Eagles responded by introducing Cyril Masinga in place of Thabo Maselwa. Leopards created numerous scoring chances as the game progressed, but their strikers were evidently unlucky. In the 67th minute their dribbling wizard, Leonard Ntshangase, hesitated for far too long to unleash within the box, until he lost possession.

Black Leopards strengthened their striking force by replacing Sanele Mkhize with Phathutshedzo Nange in the 74th minute. Nange formed a deadly combination with Ruggert Nyundu at the forefront. The wheel of fortune turned against the visitors two minutes before the end of regulation time. Ruggert Nyundu scored with a half-volley, following a neat pass from Leonard Ntshangase.