Black Leopards’ general manager, Mr Samuel Khaphathe, meant it when he said they wanted to hit Vasco da Gama where it hurts most...

This follows their 3-1 victory in the promotional play-off match that was played at the Cape Town Stadium last Saturday. Leopards won 4-2 on aggregate as they played to a 1-1 draw at the Seshego Stadium in their first-leg match last Wednesday.

The visitors from Thohoyandou did not lose hope, despite the fact that the home side was the first to score on Saturday. Their solitary goal came in the 24th minute via Carlos Lesh, who headed home after a place kick that was taken by Sbusiso Zuma. Leopards had their first cause for regret two minutes thereafter when Robert Ngambi’s ground cutter went a little wide.

Lidoda Duvha came back strongly afterwards. They found the equalizer in the 28th minute. Mongezi Bobe received a beautiful pass from Robert Ngambi and dished the ball to the unmarked Edgar Manaka, who beat the Vasco keeper, Postnet Omony, with a ground cutter.

Edgar Manaka and Aiden Jenniker of Vasco Da Gama were cautioned with yellow cards for dangerous play towards the end of the first half. Realizing that pressure was mounting on their defenders, Vasco introduced Jerom Ramathakwana for Joseph Kamwendo.

Leopards strengthened their midfield and striking force by replacing Dingaan Masanano and Edgar Manaka with Raymond Monama and Dingane Metsi respectively. Leopards took the lead in the 67th minute when Rodney Ramagalela blasted in a rocket, following a square pass by Mongezi Bobe.

Vasco lost shape in the middle of the park as Leopards continued their dominance. Ramagalela completed his brace six minutes before the final whistle. He received a neat pass from Khethowakhe Masuku and unleashed from outside the box. Ramagalela was later replaced with Edward Tshabalala.