In a Premier League game of strange twists even Black Leopards coach Hans-Dieter Schmidt admitted his team could have been trailing by five goals after the opening half against Benoni Premier United at Mehlareng Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Instead, after leading 1-0 through a freak gift goal scored by Bernard Parker in the 40th minute, the Rabbits proceeded to complete an act of self-destruction while going down 2-1 to a Leopards’ team that showed distinct improvement in the second period.
United were entitled to a strong measure of sympathy after a dubious penalty from Jabu Maluleke. And with almost the entire Benoni team protesting the decision, it was Peter Masilela who was shown a red card to leave the Rabbits a man short.
Then Myron Shongwe deflected a header into the net in the 87th minute to provide the Leopards with the winning goal and three vital points in their battle against relegation.
It was a scenario that seemed improbable after United had struck the woodwork three times in the opening period and narrowly missed half-a-dozen other inviting opportunities. – Sapa