In what was a tense battle at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay could not be separated in their latest Betway Premiership assignment with the game ending in a 1-1 draw in Polokwane on Tuesday.
Following a first half that was largely dominated by Sekhukhune, goals on either side by Ronaldo Maarman and Gabadinho Mhango in the second half saw the game end in a stalemate.
Babina Noko started the game on the front foot and had their first sight at goal in the 13th minute after Keletso Makgalwa saw his left-footed strike saved by Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Sekhukhune dominated on the ball during the first 15 minutes but were often let down at the final hurdle, as Richards Bay held on.
The Natal Rich Boyz did little to trouble the Sekhukhune defensive unit throughout the first 45, with Gabadinho Mhango looking to make things happen for his side.
However, with neither side able to break the deadlock, the game ended 0-0 at the break.
It was much of the same for Sekhukhune United after the restart, while Richards Bay continued to play under the cosh leading up to the 60th minute mark.
Babina Noko’s pressure eventually paid off with around 20 minutes left to play after substitute Ronaldo Maarman added his name to the scoresheet following a swift attacking move into the Natal Rich Boyz area.
Richards Bay then drew level in the 77th minute after Mhango made the most of a rare attack late on in the half as he guided the ball home from close range following a set-up by Lwandile Mabuya.
Both sides were unable to convert their goal-scoring opportunities as the game ended in a draw at the popular stadium.
Sekhukhune United: (0) 1 (Maarman 69’)
Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Mhango 77’)
Sekhukhune United: Nsabata, Nldovu, Letlapa, Mkhize, Thokolo, Mncube (Mahlangu 83’), Timm, Mogaila (Mashiloane 84’), Rammala (Mokoane 67’), Grobler, Makgalwa (Maarman 24’)
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Mntungwa, Mcineka, Zuke, Mutizwa (Nombengula 70’), Zulu, Mhango (Mahala 78’), Zikhali (Mtshali 78’), Thikazi
