Result: Jomo Cosmos 1-2 Black Leopards
Date: 07 February 2021
Venue: Olen Park
A late brace from Ovidy Karuru inspired Black Leopards to a 2-1 victory over Jomo Cosmos in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Sunday afternoon.
Leholohonolo Seema went with a strong line-up that saw the return of Mumuni Aubabakar, Tsheamo Mashoene and goalkeeper Rotshidzwa Muleka.
Jomo Sono's men came into the encounter having failed to win a single home game in the GladAfrica Championship this season, although they have been impressive on the road.
Despite the sides coming to the clash in contrasting form, it was even contested affair in the early stages although clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
Indeed, the only meaningful opening arrived five minutes before the halftime break when Sekola was played through on the left side but he was unable to find a way past Muleka.
It was more of the same in the second half, although Jomo Sono's looked livelier and more likelier to get the opening goal in the opening 15 minutes.
Leopards eventually made their first change on 69 minutes when Rodney Ramagalela made way for Nigerian midfielder Onyedikachi Ononogbu as they went in search of a goal.
The deadlock was eventually broken with nine minutes left as Ovidy Karuru found the back of the net with a neat turn and finish on the edge of the box.
The joy did not last long as Cosmos restored parity a minute later through Zwane, who drilled the ball into the far corner after the Leopards defence were caught napping.
Leopards had the final say though, as Karuru completed his brace with a close-range header to secure the win and a spot in the last 16.
Cosmos: Igidimba, Ndlovu, Versuur, Matona, Ndlovu, Gcaba, Sangare, Sono, Gumede, Sekome, Sekola.
Subs: Ramadivhane, Rapatsinyana, Lekeno, Phindela, Nkosi, Mahlangu, Ndlovu, Koapeng, Zwane.
Leopards: Muleka, Makobela, Mashoene, Nthatheni, Gyimah, Abubakar, Makgetlwa, Ramagalela, Karuru, Hlongwane, Thutlwa.
Subs: K.Ndlovu, Masia, Khumalo, Mokoena, Ononogbu, Matsimbi, Khutlang, Anas, Carrim.
