Richards Bay FC and Golden Arrows delivered one of the most entertaining KwaZulu-Natal derbies of the Betway Premiership season on Friday, playing to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Friday night.
The result means Richards Bay have now suffered just one home defeat this season, which came against Orbit College in October.
Golden Arrows came into the encounter on the back of five consecutive defeats in all competitions and were desperate to halt their poor run and return to winning ways.
Richards Bay received a boost ahead of the match with the announcement of the signing of Sanele Barns from Stellenbosch FC on Thursday, marking a return to the club he left a season and a half ago after an unsuccessful spell in the Cape Winelands.
The hosts started brightly and took the lead in the ninth minute after Arrows defender Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso brought down Lundi Mahala inside the box. Moses Mthembu calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa the wrong way.
However, Arrows responded well and drew level in the 27th minute when Lungelo Nguse tapped into an empty net following a precise cut-back from Siyanda Ndlovu. The goal was a welcome boost for Nguse, who has recently returned from ACL injury.
Despite scoring first, Richards Bay found themselves under pressure for large spells of the first half in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Just before the break, Mahala thought he had restored Bay’s lead after the ball struck the crossbar, but referee Abongile Tom ruled out the effort after adjudging that goalkeeper Mbanjwa had been fouled, bringing the first half to an end amid protests from Mthembu.
The Natal Rich Boys emerged the stronger side after the restart, with Mthembu going close to completing his brace but firing over the crossbar.
Arrows regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Philangenkosi Khumalo played a lofted ball over the Richards Bay defence. Siyanda Ndlovu sprinted clear, rounded Mbanjwa and slotted home into an empty net.
With their impressive home record under threat, Richards Bay pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Wandile Ngema cut inside but dragged his effort wide as the pressure mounted.
Their persistence paid off when Mthembu turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Mahala, who rose superbly to head past Mbanjwa and make it 2-2.
It was a pulsating KwaZulu-Natal derby, played at a high tempo from start to finish.
The match also marked the return of Thulani Gumede for Richards Bay, who had been sidelined since August following an injury sustained against Kaizer Chiefs. Both teams now turn their attention to cup competitions this coming weekend.
