THOHOYANDOU – Black Leopards registered their fourth victory when they crushed Supersport United 2-1 in a thrilling Castle Premiership match that was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

The local lads attacked from the start, but wasted numerous chances to take the lead early on. Their captain, Duncan Lechesa, missed a sitter in the fourth minute, after receiving a beautiful pass from Mulondo Sikhwivhilu. Lechesa made amends for his wasted opportunity when he found the net in the 13th minute. Wonder Nhleko forced his way through the Supersport defence and sent a cross to Lechesa, who was in a perfect scoring position. Leopards enjoyed their lead until the first half came to an end.

Lidoda Duvha continued to squander clear chances in the second half. Mulondo Sikhwvhilu and Duncan Lechesa shot wide, with only the keeper to beat in the 54th and 59th minute respectively. They lost their original fighting spirit and started to fight with their backs against the wall.

Things turned against the Thohoyandou outfit when their defender, Japie Motale, trapped Thando Mngomeni within the box. The referee, Walter Mochubela, awarded a penalty to the visitors. Phil Evans took his chance but the Leopards' keeper, Walter Khumalo denied him a goal by saving the ball on the line.

The Pretoria-based team did not give in despite the setback. They found an equalizer in the 65th minute, after Ricardo Katza slotted home a rebound, following a scramble for the ball in the Leopards' danger area. Leopards replaced Mulondo Sikhivhilu, Wonder Nheko and Nkhiphitheni Matombo with Rudzani Ramudzuli, Wanani Mulaudzi and Richard Lishivha later in the game.

Thando Mngomeni was cautioned with a card for a bad tackle on the Leopards' Mozambican international, Fernando Matola, in the 79th minute. The homeside were awarded a free kick outside the box six minutes before the final whistle. Matari Netshidzivhe used the opportunity to score the goal that proved to be the winner. Ntehsidzivhe was voted the man of the match and was awarded with a trophy and R1 500 after the game.