A late goal from Cyril Lingwati helped Jomo Cosmos secure a 2-2 draw with Black Leopards in their promotional playoffs at Olen Park on Sunday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The game got off to a slow start with both sides trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.

Leopards took the lead inside the 12th minute when Mwape Musonda found the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Cosmos levelled matters five minutes later after an error by Rotshidzwa Muleka allowed Ismail Mgunda to slot the ball home, 1-1.

Mgunda nearly doubled his side’s lead, but Marks Munyai was on hand to deny the midfielder.

King Ndlovu came to his side’s rescue when he denied Munyai’s free kick, which looked to be heading for the target.

Denzil Haoseb had two opportunities to hand Cosmos the lead, but the defender fired his efforts over and wide of the target.

Munyai thought he should have been awarded a penalty after he was challenged by Mabula, but the referee waved play on.

The game went into the half-time interval with the scoreline locked at 1-1.

The visitors came out with intent in the second half and nearly took the lead through Karabo Tshepe’s effort, but Ndlovu steered his effort out for a corner.

At the other end, Lefa Hlongwane should have handed Cosmos the lead when he unleashed a strike from close range, but his effort proved too ambitious as it sailed wide of the target.

Leopards then doubled their lead in the 62nd minute after Meshack Maphangule played a superb ball through to Musonda, who found the back of the net, 2-1.

Muleka came to Leopards’ rescue when he prevented Haoseb from drawing his side level in the match.

Musonda nearly completed his hat-trick, but the Cosmos shot-stopper was on hand to deny his effort at goal.

Phathutshedzo Nange nearly extended the visitors’ lead when he unleashed a strike, but the midfielder’s effort sailed wide of the target.

Cosmos pressed forward in the closing stages of the game and were rewarded for their efforts when Lingwati headed the ball home to snatch a late equaliser.

Neither side were able to find the winning goal as the match ended 2-2 at Olen Park.