Black Leopards were promoted to the Absa Premiership after beating Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in their promotion/relegation playoff match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Lidoda Duvha knew coming into the game that a victory in front of their home crowd would take them to eight points on the promotion/relegation log standings and secure their promotion to South Africa’s top flight.

The home side looked to control possession from the onset but were met by an energetic and hard-working Cosmos side who were not allowing them any space to operate, which resulted in an extremely tight opening 20 minutes.

The game began to open up and it was Leopards who grabbed the opening goal. A beautifully weighted cross found Karabo Tshepe at the back post, the winger didn’t make a clean strike, but it was hit well enough to squirm past King Ndlovu in the Cosmos goal. 1-0 to the home side with 25 minutes played.

Jomo Sono’s team had a glorious chance to equalise just a minute later. A Tebogo Makobela shot was deflected into the path of Siphesihle Nzimande, who fired wide with only the keeper to beat.

The Limpopo-based side lead 1-0 at the half-time break, with a spot in the Absa Premiership within touching distance.

Cosmos came close to finding a leveller on the 65-minute mark. A long throw was flicked on and found Nzimande whose header produced a quality save out of Rotshidzwa Muleka.

The away side continued to search for an equaliser but Leopards were doing well to soak up the pressure, while still threatening on the counter-attack.

Time began to tick over as the home crowd started celebrating in anticipation of the final whistle and the side’s return to the Absa Premiership.

To the joy of a packed Thohoyandou Stadium, Black Leopards held on for a 1-0 win ― and despite there still being one game left to play between Platinum Stars and Jomo Cosmos ― Lidoda Duvha were promoted back into South Africa’s top flight.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix