Leopards smash and grab an unlikely point
TWO LATE goals by Themba Ndlovu and Mwape Musonda ensured that Lidoda Duvha went back home to Limpopo with a point after two welltaken volleys by Luckyboy Mokoena and Ricardo Williams looked to have secured the spoils for the hosts.
The Lions of the North came into this encounter high on confidence after their 1-1 draw at Orlando Pirates in their opener and they started well.
In the opening stages of the game, Owen Da Gama’s team kept Leopards’ defence busy but they couldn’t penetrate and test Muleka Rotshidwa in goal.
With the build-up play not giving them the outcome they needed, Owen Da Gama’s men resorted to taking shots from outside the box and that worked like a charm.
Captain Mothobi Mvala’s attempted long-range shot rebounded into the path of an on-rushing Mokoena who needed no second invitation as he unleashed a thunderbolt volley that hit the frame of the goal before going over the line.
This was Mvala’s first appearance of the season after he missed the Pirates match due to suspension. His combination with Ryan Rae brought stability in the heart of Highlands’ midfield and gave Siphiwe Mahlangu and Siphesihle Zwane free roles upfront.
Leopards would have been a little disappointed, especially after they beat Polokwane City by 1-0 in their opener.
Late in the game Williams thought his volley had sealed the win for the home side but in added time Ndlovu and Musonda showed their skill in front of goal to grab an unlikely point for the visitors.
Highlands Park will regret not being tighter at the back and securing their first win back at the top level of South African football.
They also missed the firepower of last season’s top scorer Peter Shalulile, who’s out with an injury.