Richards Bay FC boost survival chances with 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC
Richards Bay FC boosted their survival chances with a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC in the DStv Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday night.
Bay was on the back foot as Augustine Mulenga riffled first in the first half. But Bay, who were without their coach Vusi Vilakazi who was attending the CAF license course, stormed back late to the match. Justice Figareido gave them life, as he blasted a shot just outside the box. That injected some life in the side, as Sanele Barns rose highest in the box to take all the points for the home.
Bay is now three points behind Moroka Swallows with 23 points after 26 matches. They played this game without captain Simphiwe Mcineka who was suspended for the game and was replaced by Thabani Dube.
It was a cagey start as there was a lack of opportunities for both sides. The match was more of a physical battle as they were exchanging jabs in the middle of the park.
Moments later, it was AmaZulu who started to exert pressure on the home side looking for a breakthrough. But the Natal Rich Boyz kept on sweeping at the back.
However, the Zululand side couldn’t progress up the field with the Khuda Muyaba isolated upfront.
AUGUSTINE MULENGA SCORED HIS FIRST SECOND-SPELL GOAL FOR USUTHU
In the 36th minute, Augustine Mulenga pounced on a loose ball to smash it home after Celimpilo Ngema’s shot deflected off Richards Bay’s defence.
Five minutes before halftime, Myaba ballooned the ball over the bar after he was gifted the ball by Tareeq Fielies. The match reached the interval with Usuthu leading 1-0.
Richards Bay made three changes at the start of the second half taking off Myaba and Somila Ntsundwana bringing on Yanela Mbuthuma and Thulani Gumede. Meanwhile, Usuthu made one change pulling out Victor Letsoalo for Junior Dion.
AmaZulu seemed to be enjoying more possession than the home side coming out of the tunnel but weren’t playing much of the offensive game.
Moments later, the Natal Rich Boyz began to pick up in the game with some exciting moments up front. Mbuthuma had a massive chance to level the scoreline but his header was expertly dealt with by Veli Mothwa.
AmaZulu made more changes taking out Mbanjwa and Mulenga for Ethan Brooks and Moremi.
It was in the 70th minute when the substitute Figareido levelled the matters, rattling the ball in after Usuthu failed to clear Sanele Barns’ corner-kick.
Figareido kept AmaZulu’s defence busy at the back putting the pressure as they were seeking a late winner.
Sanele Barns finally put Richards Bay heading home from Nkosikhona Ndaba’s cross.
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