Kaizer Chiefs came from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership match on Wednesday evening at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.
Nqaba Xulu netted a brace for the Natal Rich Boyz, while midfielders Lebohang Maboe and Sphesihle Ndlovu scored for Amakhosi, helping them avoid the first league defeat this season.
The match started at a high tempo, with both teams eager to find an early breakthrough in the cold and drizzling conditions. Luke Baartman threatened first for the visitors with a shot from outside the box, but it took a deflection off the Richards Bay defence and went wide.
Richards Bay took the lead in the eighth minute after a costly mistake from Brandon Petersen. The Chiefs goalkeeper failed to control a back pass under pressure from Thabo Moloisane, and Nqaba Xulu blocked his attempted clearance, sending the ball into the net.
Chiefs responded with urgency, with Baartman continuing to cause problems. The forward had more than two efforts blocked by the Richards Bay goalkeeper and defence as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 16th minute when Fernando Da Cruz’s side levelled through Lebohang Maboe from the penalty spot. The equaliser came after Thembela Sikhakhane was penalised for handling the ball inside the box. Chiefs almost turned the game around moments later, but Mduduzi Shabalala’s free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar.
The end-to-end action continued as both sides looked for the crucial second goal, and Richards Bay regained the lead towards the end of the first half when Xulu completed his brace with a well-taken header from the corner kick.
In the second half, Chiefs were looking to bounce back as they were trailing, but the home side were narrow, not giving them much space to play. Richards Bay also didn’t just sit back but continued to attack, looking to extend the lead.
Chiefs began to take control of the game, created a few clear-cut chances, but Ian Otieno produced a couple of important saves to keep Richards Bay in front. As the match progressed, the hosts became less offensive, although they remained a threat whenever they managed to reach the final third.
In the 77th minute, Sphesihle Ndlovu netted an equaliser for the Soweto giants after numerous attempts. The match ended 2-2, with both teams grabbing a point each after so much action from end to end.