Leopards earn point at Cosmos

Johannesburg - Jomo Cosmos could not produce the form that gave them a 4-1 win over Moroka Swallwos last week when they played to a 0-0 draw against Black Leopards at the Vaal University of Technology Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The draw means Ezenkosi will remain at the top of the PSL Promotional play-off standings with goal difference and closer to regaining their PSL status .

However, next weekend’s result between Leopards and Moroka Swallows is set to change the log table.

The visitors were the better side in the first-half and they were looking sharp as they targeted the three points to erase their 2-0 loss against Moroka Swallows last week.

A great combination between Linda Mntambo and Brice Aka saw Mntambo unleashing a powerful shot, but  itfailed to trouble goalkeeper Avhashoni Tshinuna as early as the 13th minute.

Zeca Marques’ men constantly attacked Ezenkosi and in the 15th minute Thomas Madimba's effort was saved by goalkeeper,Sherwin Naicker who was the busiest of the two keepers on the field of play.

In the 22nd minute, again Naicker was called to action when he made a brilliant save to deny Ivan Mahangwahaya from a corner.

Two minutes later, Lidoda Duvha came knocking, however, they failed to capitalise on Mahangwahaya’s skill in the box as Roggert Nyundu's effort went narrowly wide.

As the game progressed, Naicker proved to be the man separating Leopards from scoring a goal when he denied Nyundu twice as he tried to curl the ball into the far corner.

Despite the pressure piled on Ezenkosi, the hosts managed to head to the tunnel without conceding.

The beginning of the second stanza saw the visitors continuing with their attacks when Nyundu beat his marker, but his effort was blocked by Frederic Nsabiyumva five minutes into the second half.

Ezenkosi, led by the experienced Aka upfront retaliated but his shot was saved by Tshinuna giving hope to the hosts.

Towards the 80th minute, the match lost its spark as Leopards pushed for an opener with Mumuni Abubakar’s attempt saved by Naicker.

A few minutes later Cosmos receive a free-kick, but Tshinuna did well to grab the ball in the air.

In the last five minutes a brilliant interchange of passes from Lidoda Duvha saw Thabo Ralebakeng nearly scoring in his own net when communication broke down between him and Naicker.

Tshinuna made a stunning save in the dying seconds to deny Charlton Mashumba who was quiet for the better part of the match as both sides shared the spoils.

Jomo Cosmos: Naicker, Nsabiyumva, Mthembu, Ralebakeng, Mashele, Mntambo (B. Sono 90+2’), Monare, Maluleke (Ndzimandze 80’), Lingwati, Mashumba, Aka (Madonsela 72’)

Black Leopards: Tshinuna, Nyirenda, Nyundu, Maphangule, Ntshangase, Mabotja, Abubakar, Madimba (Radebe T. 89’), Munyai, Ndou, Mahangwahaya