The NFD rookies, Mbombela United, came back from a 0-2 deficit to beat Black Leopards 3-2 at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday.

Although it became clear within the first 10 minutes that Leopards’ striker, Thembisani Nevhulamba, seemed to have left his scoring boots at home, the technical staff played him to the finish. He missed a fortune seven minutes into the game. He received a pre-cooked pass from Bongani Manana within the box and shot wide with the keeper already beaten.

The home side replaced Ndamulelo Mungadi with Meshack Maphangule in the 16th minute. Maphangule formed a deadly combination with Katlego Molomo in the middle of the park. Leopards opened their account in the 27th minute. Bongani Manana scored with a header, following a corner kick by Leonard Ntshangase.

Thembisani Nevhulamba missed a golden opportunity two minutes later. He hesitated for far too long to unleash within the box until he lost possession. Lidoda Duvha enjoyed their 1-0 lead until proceedings for the first half came to an end.

Sifiso Thomo of United was booked for a late tackle on Meshack Maphangule two minutes into the last half. Leopards increased the margin in the 59th minute. Lebohang Mabotja scored from the place kick with a ground cutter.

The visitors from Nelspruit did not stop fighting, despite the fact that time was not on their side. They pulled one back via Mxolisi Gumede. He caught the Leopards’ keeper, Avhashoni Tshinuna, napping with a half volley. Leopards replaced Katlego Molomo with Tsepo Molala three minutes later. The move was not enough to stop Mbombela from scoring two quick goals. A substitute, Inky Masuku, scored with a long-range volley before Siyanda Khumalo wrapped up the game with a banana kick in the dying minutes.