In one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the NFD, three teams vying for a spot in the lucrative PSL Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs all finished on fifty points, but thanks to a better goal difference, Black Leopards and Milano United pipped Baroka FC at the post.
It was heart break for ‘Sello’ Chokoe’s rookies, who were in second spot before their 1-1 draw with Thanda Royal Zulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
On the other hand, Milano United’s fans are celebrating after watching a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over champions, Chippa United, while Leopards secured their valuable spot following a 2-0 win over Jomo Cosmos.
It was an afternoon of unprecedented excitement with Milano looking down and out after Andile Mbenyane and Sipho-Sihle Mtule had given the Chilli Boys an early 2-0 lead. But the Grassy Park faithful were soon cheering as Lesvin Stoffels, Junaid Sait and Nazier Jacobs put Eezy my Kinnes ahead.
At the Makhulong Stadium, Jomo Sono wasted a handful of first half opportunities, including a Charlton Mashumba one-on-one with Black Leopards goalkeeper.
Then just when it looked like the two ex-PSL would go into the break goalless, Lidoda Duvha struck via the well-travelled Lebogang Mabotja.
Then a minute into the second period, Leopards gained further momentum with Siphelele Ntshangase netting goal number two.
Santos, the other club in the mix, defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at the Athlone Stadium with Gregory Roelf getting a brace but their fifth-place finish was not enough.
Other results were:
Roses United 1 Maluti FET College 1, FC Cape Town 0 United FC 0, African Warriors 2 Sivutsa Stars 2, Witbank Spurs 2 Vasco da Gama 1