OMO Cosmos have returned to the National First Division after spending only one season in the Absa Premiership.

Their relegation was confirmed last night after they drew 2-2 with Black Leopards, who are also not yet safe from the dreaded axe.

This drama-filled Absa Premiership clash was played at Sinaba stadium, where birthday boy and Leopards skipper Mongezi Bobe, scored a brace.

Jomo Sono’s babes needed a win to keep their hopes of escaping the chop, but that was not to be.

Cosmos were aggressive in their approach as they were well aware that their lives in the Premiership depended on nothing else but a win.

Their first good attempt came in the ninth minute from Katleho Loke but he hit the crossbar. Five minutes later the visitors came close to scoring, but Rodney Ramagalela saw his long-range effort saved by goalkeeper Avril Phali.

The second half saw Cosmos’ veteran midfielder Mark Haskins squander a golden opportunity when he shot wide after beating Leopards’ off-side trap.

Cosmos’ players appealed for a penalty after defender Humphrey Khoza appeared to have handled the ball inside the box, but referee Robert Sithole waved for play on.

Leopards broke the deadlock when Bobe scored in the 71st minute after a neat cross from Tintswalo Tshabalala. He completed his brace three minutes later.

Cosmos continued exerting pressure and their efforts were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Tshidiso Tukane pulled one back. Rusike equalised in the 87th minute.

Leopards will need to beat Ajax Cape Town in their last league match of the season on Saturday to survive the drop.

Cosmos wind up their woeful campaign against the other relegation candidates, Santos, in an academic match for Ezenkosi.