After suffering four losses in a row, Black Leopards made a comeback and registered a 2-0 victory over Vasco da Gama in their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

The victory was a warm welcome to the team’s new head coach, Kostadin Papic, whose appointment came into effect last Friday.

Realizing that it was difficult for them to match the home side, Vasco tried to frustrate Leopards with their rough tackles. They did not get far with their wrongdoings as their marksman, Sibusiso Mxoyaba, was booked for a late tackle on Themba Mabuyango in the 14th minute.

Black Leopards were the first to effect change to their starting line-up. They replaced Katlego Molomo with Mcdonald Ntshingila 25 minutes into the game. Ntshingila combined well with Kgabo Mashiane in the middle of the park.

Lidoda Duvha broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Ruggert Nyundu headed home, following a square pass from Marks Munyai to bring the half-time score to 1-0.

Leopards’ left-footed midfielder, Ndamulelo Mungadi, was out of touch in the last half and he was replaced with Meshack Maphangule nine minutes in. Leonard Ntshangase, Leopards’ fast forward, was reprimanded with a card for ignoring the referee’s whistle. He kicked the ball long after the referee, Mr Siyabonga Biyela, had blown the whistle for an offside.

Leopards' keeper, Vincent Moto, denied Mbulelo Wambi what everyone thought was a sure goal. Wambi unleashed a powerful half volley from the edge of the box, but Moto braved the shot and palmed the ball away for a corner kick. Leopards increased the margin in the 78th minute when Leonard Ntshangase beat the keeper with a ground cutter.

The game turned lukewarm in the remaining 15 minutes.