Richards Bay FC dumped Orlando Pirates out of the Carling Knockout Cup after a 5-4 victory via a penalty shootout with the match having ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.
The Natal Rich Boyz ended the impressive run of Jose Riveiro in cup competitions as the Spanish mentor had guided his side to all cup victories they had taken part in since taking the reins last year.
The Buccaneers made three changes from their last game against Cape Town Spurs in the DStv Premiership. They dropped Thabiso Monyane, Olisa Ndah and Thabang Monare for Bandile Shandu, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Monnapule Saleng.
Meanwhile, Bay made six changes, taking out Salim Magoola, Katleho Maphathe, Austin Dube, Sanele Barns, Lucky Mohomi and Langelihle Mhlongo. Kaitano Tembo started with st Philasande Manqele, Siyanda Dlamini, Simphiwe Mcineka, Boikanyo Komane, Somila Ntsundwana and Nkululeko Miya
Neither of the sides dominated the early possession with both teams losing the ball and having little forward movements. At times, Richards Bay seemed to be finding their rhythm but continued to struggle to make box entries.
Meanwhile, the Natal Rich Boyz were astute whenever Pirates attempted to make offensive efforts.
The referee ignored Pirates’ penalty appeal in the 29th minute after Evidence Makgopa seemed to have been brought down in the box. Thereafter, Jose Riveiro’s side started playing more into the Richards Bay’s half as they looked to open the scoring.
In the 42nd minute, Saleng burst into the box and unleashed a thunderous shot. However, Richards Bay’s goalie, Manqele came out and made a spectacular save, keeping the score 0-0 as the match reached the interval.
HIGH INTENSITY IN THE SECOND HALF
Following a low spell in the first half, Pirates seemed to have gained momentum in the second stanza although they still couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The two teams started to play at a high intensity as they looked to create scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Pirates substitutes; Kimvuidi and Relebohile Mofokeng added the spark offensively. The duo took Kermit Erasmus and Saleng’s spots.
Deon Hotto had an opportunity to steal the victory for his side in the stoppage time from a free-kick spot. His attempt deflected off the home side’s wall.
The match went on to extra time after the two sides couldn’t find the back of the net in the 90 minutes. There weren’t much of opportunities as both teams had run out of steam.
The home side struggled somewhat to maintain their showing as Ezimnyama Ngenkani had a lion’s share of ball possession. However, they managed to hold on until the referee blew the whistle to send the game to a penalty shootout.
The youngster Manqele saved Hotto’s penalty to send his side to the next round with Richards Bay winning 5-4 on penalties.
RELATED STORY: Buchanan explains what made the difference as CT Spurs beat Pirates
