Black Leopards defeated Ajax Cape Town 1-0 in the first semifinal of the 2011 Old Mutual Mangaung Cup at Botshabelo Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with striker Thabo Mongalo scoring the game’s only goal.

Ajax dominated the opening exchanges and created several chances in the first 20 minutes, though they were not able to beat Leopards´ goalkeeper Azwinndini Maphaha, who made a couple of good smothering saves to keep out low shots from Tafadzwa Rusike and Khama Billiat.

Leopards, very much against the run of play, took the lead midway through the first half. Captain Mongezi Bobe bamboozled Thulani Hlatshwayo before providing a perfect low cross that allowed Thabo Mongalo to score with a virtual tap-in.

Just more than10 minutes later, the Limpopo team almost doubled their advantage. Skillful left winger Khetho Masuku curled a shot beyond the reach of Ajax goalkeeper Sean Roberts, but centre-back Clayton Daniels was on hand to head clear off the goal line.

Masuku continued to look dangerous and just before the half-time break he beat Roberts once again, this time with a dipping long-range effort, but the crossbar came to the keeper’s rescue.

Ajax started the second half strongly, with Billiat forcing Maphaha into a fine, low save at his near post in the 53rd minute. The resultant corner kick saw Hlatshwayo hit the crossbar with a glancing header.

Just about 10 minutes later, the Urban Warriors rattled the crossbar for a second time, as Terror Fanteni’s goal-bound header took a deflection off the back of a Leopards defender that directed it onto the woodwork.

The Cape side were virtually camping in Leopards’ half in the last 20 minutes of the game, but a combination of Ajax’s substandard execution in the final third and some stubborn defending from Lidoda Duvha left Maarten Stekelenburg’s team frustrated.

Black Leopards held out to secure a 1-0 win that sees them through the final of the Old Mutual Mangaung Cup on their tournament debut. They will meet the winners of the second semifinal between defending champions Bloemfontein Celtic and Soweto giants Moroka Swallows. BackpageTxt