Orlando Pirates’ push for the Betway Premiership title was dealt a minor blow as they were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday night.
Thulani Gumede and Lindokuhle Zikhali were on target for the hosts, while Oswin Appollis scored Pirates’ lone goal.
ALSO READ: R Bay & Pirates Starting XIs Announced
Barns – We Know Pirates’ Strengths & Weaknesses
The loss proved costly, as it handed Mamelodi Sundowns the chance to stretch their advantage to five points. The Buccaneers, now with four defeats, remain second on 54 points after 24 outings. Richards Bay, on the other hand, climbed to eighth with 29 points from 24 matches.
Abdeslam Ouaddou opted to stick with the same starting line-up from the previous match, showing confidence in that team by making no changes and maintaining consistency in selection.
Meanwhile, the Natal Rich Boyz made a slight adjustment to their team, with Sbani Mntungwa dropping out of the line-up and Lwandile Mabuya coming in as his replacement.
The Buccaneers, as they have in recent outings, came out intent on striking early. They threatened almost immediately when Kamogelo Selebelele was played through by Relebohile Mofokeng, only to be denied by Ian Otieno.
Against the run of play, Richards Bay made a rare foray forward and stunned their opponents in the 11th minute, as Thulani Gumede volleyed past Sipho Chaine following a headed assist from Simphiwe Mcineka.
The Sea Robbers maintained their control of possession, probing for a way through the hosts’ defence. Thalente Mbatha attempted a fierce long-range strike, but Otieno reacted well to parry it away.
In the 34th minute, Sipho Chaine produced an excellent save to deny Sanele Barns, who unleashed a powerful free-kick in an attempt to double Richards Bay’s lead. Two minutes later, Yanela Mbuthuma almost levelled matters, but his header from Tshepang Moremi’s cross went straight into Otieno’s hands.
A well-worked move from Mofokeng presented Appollis with a clear opportunity inside the area, but he failed to convert as Pirates kept applying pressure on the away side. The match reached the interval with Bay leading 1-0.
In the 52nd minute, Ezimnyama Ngenkani drew level through Appollis, who found himself unmarked and made no mistake in beating Otieno, reigniting their push for all three points away from home.
Despite sustained pressure from the Soweto giants in search of another goal, in the 59th minute, Richards Bay responded unexpectedly as Lindokuhle Zikhali slotted home past Chaine following a well-worked set-up by Lundi Mahala.
In their bid to mount another comeback, Pirates continued to push forward, though the home side remained resolute at the back, looking to preserve their lead. In search of more attacking impetus, Ouaddou introduced a few changes, though they did not yield the desired results, dropping two points.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
