As if they had won the cup final, it was all joy to the supporters of Lidoda duvha at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Saturday when Black Leopards proved all the critics wrong and beat Amazulu 1-0 in their Nedbank Cup match.

The home side deserved to win from the onset. The first half was characterized by squandered opportunities. The Leopards’ killer striker, Thabo Mongalo, who was nominated the Man of the Match, kept the Amazulu defence running, because of his dribbling skills. Mongalo was unlucky when the game was 10 minutes old. He caught the keeper off guard before suffering the pain of watching his volley hit the woodwork and bounce back into the field of play.

The struggle continued, with the local lads dictating terms in all departments. The former Leopards’ bulldozer striker, Myron Shongwe, could not live up to the supporters’ expectations as he was tightly marked.

Samson Mofokeng of Lidoda duvha missed an easy opportunity in the 24th minute when he dribbled past three Usuthu defenders and lost possession on the brink of unleashing.

The Thohoyandou outfit was the first to effect a change to their starting 11. Edward Tshabalala, who was looking weary from the onset, was replaced with Vincent Xakane. They again introduced Walter Ramulondi at the expense of Samson Mofokeng. Ramulondi was reprimanded with a card three minutes after his introduction. He ignored the referee’s whistle and shot the ball away and Abdul Ibrahim took no time to produce yellow.

Amazulu later replaced Myron Shongwe with Ritson Bradley.

The goal that booked Leopards’ place in the top 16 stage of the competition came in the 74th minute. Walter Ramulondi headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Jabulani Maluleke. While celebrating his goal, Ramulondi pulled off his T-shirt. That contradicts the rules and regulations of the league and Ramulondi earned himself a red card for that.

Ritson Bradley nearly scored an equalizer in the dying minutes.