Jomo Cosmos managed to deal best with the wet and cool conditions and beat Black Leopards 3-1 in their Castle Premier Soccer League match played at the Rand Stadium on Sunday.
Cosmos scored all of their goals in the first half while Leopards managed their consolation effort just two minutes before the final whistle.
Cosmos striker Nkosinathi Nhleko struck as early as the fourth minute after receiving a pass from Chris Katongo. Then, in the 13th minute, the in-form Katongo contributed yet again when he passed to Innocent Ntsume, who easily looped the ball into the far-left corner, comfortably beating Leopards goalkeeper Amon Phothi.
Cosmos midfielder Ntsume completed his brace in the 25th minute after receiving a neat pass from Nhleko and he scored from just outside the penalty area.
Leopards coach Jacob Sakala made a double substitute in the 51st minute, introducing striker Lucky Maselesele for Wanda Nhleko and Wanani Mulaudzi for captain Duncan Lechesa.
Then Leopards goalkeeper Phothi pulled down Cosmos striker Ishmael Maluleke in the box and referee Brian Sibisi awarded the penalty without hesitation. But Phothi made up for his sins by saving Maluleke’s shot and denying the home side their fourth goal.
In the 88th minute, Leopards striker Runzani Ramudzuli gave the visitors their lone goal but it was too little too late.
Cosmos move up two places to 13th on the log while Leopards remain in the 12th spot. Both teams have 25 points but Cosmos still have a game in hand over Leopards. — Sapa