Leopards roar to victory over Tuks
Black Leopards beat Tuks in a thrilling finale in Thohoyandou, but fall just one point short of promotion in Motsepe Championship.
LIMPOPO – Black Leopards delivered a spirited performance to defeat the formidable University of Pretoria (Tuks) by 2-1 in a thrilling Motsepe Foundation Championship encounter at a packed Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the memorable win, the victory wasn’t enough to propel Lidoda Duvha into the national promotional play-off mini league. They finished fourth on the log, just one point behind Casric Stars, leaving loyal fans leaving the stadium with mixed emotions – proud of their team’s fight, yet crushed by the near miss.
The game started at a furious pace, with Tuks dominating early possession and squandering multiple scoring chances. Strikers Luke Daniels and Singankhe Mpedi kept the Leopards’ defence under relentless pressure. In response, Leopards resorted to physical tactics to slow down the game, leading to yellow cards for Tsepo Matsimbi and Siphelele Magubane following dangerous tackles.
Tuks drew first blood just before halftime through Kgomotso Mosadi, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Leopards side strike back quickly, with Tebogo Makobele netting the equaliser. The momentum shifted, and Leopards grew more dangerous in attack. Sifiso Gaza nearly restored the lead for Tuks, but his shot was expertly saved.
Leopards had their share of bad luck too. Donald Mudau’s volley hit the crossbar, and later Bethuel Muzeu’s shot was dramatically cleared off the line.
The decisive moment came when captain Thendo Mukumela slotted home after a well-placed square pass from Donald Makgethlwa, sealing the 2-1 win for the home side.
Despite their valiant effort and a deserved win, Black Leopards’ campaign ends just short of promotion, with fans now left to wonder what could have been.
