Cosmos back in the elite

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Jomo Cosmos needed penalties to get back to the Premier soccer league after 180 minutes of play in the National first division play offs against Bay United at the Makhulong stadium in Tembisa on Saturday afternoon.

As usual the home team started pressurizing the visitors from the first blow of the whistle with the support from Tembisa people keeping their momentum on top. Ezenkosi were looking for nothing but a killer goal but with no luck they couldn’t slaughter their chances home.

It was in the 27^th minute when Bongane Theletsane struck a volley to United’s goal finding goalkeeper Modiri Marumo unstable as he failed to handle the ball, but luckily he was saved by teammate Michael Molaudzi who was on guard as he cleared the ball at the goal line.

Bay was way off the game as they struggled to make chances in the first half. The only threatening chance they got came in the 30^th minute when Walter Ramulondi whipped in a cross but was dealt with ease by Cosmos Skipper Avril Phadi at the goals.

Cosmos could have gone in front in the 35^th minute when Lehlohonolo Nonyane delivered a well traveled cross from the left wing to meet up with the ageing striker Alton Meiring only to head the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

Cosmos started the second half from where they left off with Theletsane forcing Marumo to make a spectacular save when he hit a long range effort that was well on target.

The game turned out to be a war between these two teams as studs were flying high in the sky as the game was about to go to the penalties.

Umlilo could have stolen it as they got clear chances closer to the ending of the game. Ivorian forward Brice Aka could not get a half-volley or a header on target in the dying minutes and substitute Siyabonga Nontshinga's superb header found Marumo well positioned. 

After 180 minutes without a goal, the playoffs always seemed destined to end in penalties. Both teams held their nerve with clinical spot-kicks but Bay United were the first to wilt under the pressure. Siphiwe Sithole smashed his penalty into the stands and Senegalese hardman Elhadj Samb coolly slotted to send the Tembisa crowd into raptures and send Cosmos back into the top flight as they beat united 5-4 on penalties.