BLACK LEOPARDS BEAT BAROKA IN LIMPOPO DERBY
Black Leopards defeated their Limpopo rivals Baroka FC 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.
The win saw Lidoda Duvha climbed up to ninth place on the league standings, while Bakgaga slipped down to 14th spot on the table.
Lidoda Duvha were desperate for a victory having failed to win their last five matches in the league.
The hosts tried to break the deadlock in the opening stages of the game with Zambian striker Mwape Musonda leading their attack.
However, the Baroka defence which was marshaled by Tanzania international Ali Banda looked solid and organised.
Bakgaga were also able to push forward as they looked to snap a six-match winless run in the league.
Ranga Chivaviro was working tirelessly for Baroka upfront, but he was tightly marked by Leopards defender Jean Munganga.
The score was 0-0 at halftime in the Limpopo Derby.
Talent Chawapiwa was introduced by Baroka head coach Wedson Nyirenda after the restart as the visitors searched for the opening goal.
Leopards head coach Wedson Nyirenda responded by introducing Joseph Mhlongo, who is a striker by trade.
The marksman had scored a beautiful goal during Lidoda Duvha’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in a league game last month.
The hosts did grab a late goal through hard-working Phathutshedzo Nange with the Baroka defence exposed.
The midfielder beat Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to make it 1-0 to Leopards with 13 minutes left on the clock.
Leopards then stood firm at the back and they emerged 1-0 winners over Baroka in the Limpopo Derby.
Leopards 1
Nange 77′
Baroka 0
Leopards: Ndlovu, Munyai, Munganga, Ndou (Sibanda 67′), Zulu, Khutlang, Nange, Mudau (Mhlongo 60′), Nene, Musonda (T.Ndlovu 56′), Kapinga.
Baroka: Chipezeze, Kgoetyane, Banda, Makume, Mabeba, Mosele, Mdatsane (Chawapiwa 59′), Makgaka, Makgantai, Kgaswane (Matloga 54′)), Chivaviro.