Black Leopards kept their hopes of surviving in the DStv Premiership alive as they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
With two games remaining for bottom-placed Leopards, they are now just three points behind 15th placed Chippa, but Leopards have a vastly inferior goal difference.
Chiefs remain in 11th spot, and missed out on a chance to move into the top eight with this defeat.
Black Leopards 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs grabbed the lead in the 10th minute as Leonardo Castro was on hand to finish off after Jonas Mendes had made an initial save from Happy Mashiane’s effort.
Castro’s overhead attempt in the 22nd minute went over the goal, as Chiefs looked to extend their lead against the home team.
Leopards had chances to equalise, but Edwin Gyimah headed over in the 34th minute, while Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s effort five minutes later saw the same result.
But they were level in the 40th minute as Tiklas Thutlwa was able to tap in at the far post, though it looked like he could’ve been off-side when Tsheamo Mashoene delivered the cross.
Chiefs went close again in the 55th minute, as Gyimah almost scored an own goal, but Chiefs were denied by the upright. Bernard Parker’s long range attempt four minutes later forced a save out of Mendes.
Thutlwa broke free in the 60th minute, but his final effort at goal went wide. Though he would get his second four minutes later, as headed in past Bruce Bvuma to give Lidoda Duvha the lead.
Chiefs applied pressure trying to get back into the game, but the Leopards defence stayed solid and were able to deny the Amakhosi clear-cut chances.
Mendes made an excellent save in stoppage time to deny substitute Sabelo Radebe, and the home team were able to hold for the three points.
A big win for Leopards, but another disappointing league result for Gavin Hunt and his team.
