Black Leopards successfully defended their Limpopo Soccer Challenge title, when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 6-5 on penalties in the final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

The score was 1-all at the end of regulated time.

The first 45 minutes of the game failed to entertain the fans. The referee, Victor Hlungwane, flashed a number of yellow cards in the opening minutes, as the first quarter of the game was characterized by hard tackles.

Mahlatsi Maake, the Leopards’ new recruit, was a thorn in the Sundowns’ flesh. He constantly beat the Sundowns’ defender, Sboniso Gaxa, easily with his dribbling skills, but he was let down by poor finishing from Thabo Mongalo and Walter Ramulondi.

The visitors from Pretoria came close to scoring in the 34th minute. The former Supersport United striker, Katlego Mphela, caused an upset when he fumbled at the goal finish with the Leopards keeper, Postnet Omony, already beaten. No goal was seen during the first half.

Nono Lubumbazio scored for Leopards in the 87th minute. Their celebrations were short-lived as Sbusiso Zuma capitalized on Kaizer Montsi’s clearing blunder and scored the equaliser on the stroke of full time.

Christopher Netshidzivhe, Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, Eric Ramavhale, Walter Ramulondi and Khethowakhe Masulu scored the Leopards’ penalties. Sundowns converted only four after Fanyana Dladla missed from the spot.