Keeper on ball for Ezenkosi
Fearless Black Leopards thwarted by Naicker
JOMO Cosmos have goalkeeper Sherwyn Naicker to thank for escaping defeat against Black Leopards at Vaal University of Technology yesterday. The former SuperSport United and national under-20 goalkeeper pulled off a series of good saves in the first half as Cosmos held a fearless Leopards side to a goalless draw in front of a very good crowd.
Both sides moved to four points on the table in the relegation-promotion playoffs.
Were it not for the brilliance of the Ezenkosi keeper, Lidoda Duvha would have gone back to Thohoyandou with three points in the bag.
Jomo Sono described Leopards as the best team in the National First Division and yesterday Lidoda Duvha showed just why the Cosmos boss rates them so highly.
Leopards did not sit back despite Cosmos’s impressive record at home this season.
Ezenkosi have only lost once at home this season, but Lidoda Duvha were not intimidated one bit, attacking from the first whistle with Siphele Ntshangase, Ivan Mahangwahaya and Roggert Nyundu turning it on for the visitors.
Despite their dominance and enterprising football, Leopards just could not beat Naicker in the Cosmos goal and get the victory they so desperately wanted after last week’s defeat to Moroka Swallows in Dobsonville.
Naicker first stopped Thomas Madimba’s shot after 17 minutes, using his feet to deny the Leopards left winger after coming off his line.
Four minutes later Naicker pulled an even better save from a Mahangwahaya header inside the box.
Leopards were enjoying themselves on the ball as Nyundu missed from close range a minute later after a good cross by Mahangwahaya on the right flank.
It was all Leopards in the first half and Mahangwahaya unleashed a left-footed shot, which Naicker saved again.
The speedy right winger dribbled his way into the Cosmos box from the right and brought the ball to his left foot before forcing a save out of Naicker.
Leopards goalkeeper Avhashoni Tshinuna was called late in the second half to make a save, confidently punching Charlton Mashumba’s well struck shot out for a corner.
Leopards host Swallows in Thohoyandou on Sunday. Cosmos, who still top the table on goal difference, have one game left against the Dube Birds on Wednesday.