Publications
Partners
Cape Town - A hat-trick by Mwape Musonda inspired Black Leopards to a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Chippa United in an Absa Premiership clash on Sunday.
Chippa raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Thabo Rakhale and Manzini, but Musonda pulled one back for the hosts just before the half-time break. Musonda then won the match for Leopards with two goals on the hour mark to complete his triple.
The Chilli Boys had the better of the opening exchanges but it was Chippa who threatened the goal first with a headed shot from headed on 15 minutes.
Chippa then took the lead in the 23rd minute when Andile Mbenyane's superb pass played Rakhale into space, who calmly lobbed the on-rushing King Ndlovu.
Musonda, the league's leading scorer with nine goals prior to this match, nearly brought the visitors level on the hour mark, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Five minutes before the interval Chippa doubled their lead when Rakhale's ball found Manzini unmarked and he made no mistake with his tap-in.
Seemingly determined to make an impact in the game, Musonda pulled one back for the hosts with a well-struck volley on the brink of the half-time whistle.
Chippa were awarded a penalty shortly after the interval but Ruzaigh Gamildien's spot-kick was easily saved by Ndlovu.
In the 57th minute, Musonda levelled matters with his 11th goal of the season, a cool finish after being found in space by Mhlongo.
Four minutes later the turnaround was complete when Musonda headed home from short range to move his goal tally to 12.
The win leaves Dylan Kerr's troops 12th spot, five points clear 15th-place Chippa.
