Although Black Leopards were the first to score in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit last Saturday, they could not maintain the standard to the end as they finally lost 1-3.

Leopards should have sealed the game in the first half, but their strikers were unlucky. Their Malawian international, Robert Ngambi, caused an upset when he won a loose ball after a one-on-one tussle with Lucky Lekgwathi and shot wide from close range.

The Buccaneers came close to scoring in the 19th minute when their two-goal hero, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, unleashed aimlessly, following a neat pass from Happy Jele. No goal was seen during the first half.

Lidoda Duvha were awarded a free kick in the 54th minute. This after their killer-striker, Rodney Ramagalela, was brought down just outside the box. Mongezi Bobe blasted in a rocket from the place kick to give his side a 1-0 lead. Leopards committed a clearing error in the 74th minute and they were severely punished for that. Isaac Chansa intercepted a back pass and scored Pirates’ opening goal. The goal marked the turning point of the game as Leopards started to demonstrate their defending skills.

Thulasizwe Mbuyane scored with a header a little later after a rebound.

Leopards introduced Grant Lungu, Mahlatse Maake and Edgar Manaka for Khethowakhe Masuku, Tiyani Mabunda and Raymond Monama respectively. Things turned against Leopards when their right back, Moses Kwena, was given his marching orders after protesting against the referee’s decision in the 79th minute. Pirates enjoyed ball possession thereafter and it was not surprising to see them scoring another goal four minutes before the final whistle. The goal was also registered in the name of Thulasizwe Mbuyane.