Black Leopards let Jomo Cosmos off the hook when they played to a goalless draw in their promotional playoff match at the Vaal Technikon Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The Thohoyandou outfit could have sealed the game in the first half, but their strikers, Ruggert Nyundu and Ivan Mahangwahaya were unlucky. Although Nyundu was tightly marked, he went loose on two occasions and missed sitters with the Cosmos keeper, Sheriwyn Naicker, well beaten.

Leopards’ slender striker, Ivan Mahangwahaya, could not believe his eyes in the 28th minute. He received a neat pass from Leonard Ntshangase within the box, but shot straight to the stranded keeper. Realizing that Lidoda Duvha were all over them, the Cosmos defenders tried to frustrate them with dangerous tackles.

The home side spent the better part of the first half playing defensive football. Leopards’ right back, Marks Munyai, was booked for a bad tackle to Charlton Mashumba three minutes before half time. Leopards replaced Thomas Madimba with Shimi Radebe seven minutes into the second half.

Radebe proved beyond doubt that he was the weakest link. That prompted Coach Zeca Marques, to sacrifice him and bring on Sanele Mkhize. Ezenkosi took the game to the visitors late in the game, but Leopards refused to surrender.

Not only must Black Leopards win their match against Moroka Swallows at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday, they will hope that Jomo Cosmos and Swallows play to a draw at the Dobsonville Stadium next Wednesday.

Should they beat Swallows with a small margin on Sunday, their victory will not mean anything if Cosmos beat Swallows next Wednesday. Leopards are currently tied with Jomo Cosmos on four points each, while Swallows are behind them on three points.