Royal AM pulled off a stunning comeback from a 2-0 deficit to force a 2-2 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership game at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Ayabulela Maxwele and Levy Mashiane netted for Royal AM, while Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Duba scored for the Chiefs.
Both sides came out eager to take the lead early on.
Amakhosi took opened the scoring in the 5th minute when Ashley Du Preez finished off a defense-splitting pass from Yusuf Maart. This was the 27-year-old’s second consecutive goal, having scored in the previous match against Richards Bay, also assisted by Maart.
The Soweto giants continued to press forward, looking to extend their lead. In the 14th minute, their efforts were rewarded when Wandile Duba finished off a superb cut-back from Dillon Solomons, doubling their advantage. Chiefs dominated possession and controlled the midfield.
In the 16th minute, Nabi had to make a forced substitution, taking off the injured Solomons, whose place was taken by Njabulo Blom.
KAIZER CHIEFS WASTEFUL SPELL
The Phefeni Glamour Boys could have extended their lead further, but they squandered several excellent scoring opportunities.
Thwihli Thwahla, on the other hand, improved their defensive shape, limiting Chiefs’ opportunities in the final third. The match reached an interval with a 2-0 scoreline in favour of Nabi’s troops.
In the second half, John Maduka replaced Andile Mpisane with Smiso Gumede, who steadied the midfield for the Pietermaritzburg-based side.
KZN fought back with renewed vigour, and Ayabulela Maxwele’s long-range strike left Brandon Peterson bewildered, pulling one back for the home side.
Royal AM pushed hard for the second goal, making lots of box entries, but they couldn’t make use of the opportunities they created.
In the dying moments of the match, Levy Mashiane salvaged a point for Royal AM, silencing the home crowd with a late equalizer.
AMAZULU EDGED STRUGGLING RICHARDS BAY
In the other match on the day, AmaZulu FC cruised to a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium. This emphatic win propelled Usuthu up the table to 13th place, with six points from their opening six matches.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay are now rooted at the bottom of the table with only five points after nine games.
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