Richards Bay pulled off an inspiring late comeback when they defeated Marumo Gallants 2-1 in the Betway Premiership at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, on Tuesday evening.
An early free kick was awarded to the hosts and Lwandile Mabuya did the honours, his shot was on target but Washington Arubi made the save for Gallants.
Shortly after, Mabuya had to receive medical attention on the pitch and was stretchered off the pitch in the 14th minute.
The first half saw Gallants dominate in terms of ball of possession but both teams didn’t really show much of an attacking threat as the match was mostly played in the midfield.
Gallants had an opportunity through a free kick in the middle of the park which was played into the penalty area and attacked by Edgar Manaka, but his header went wide at the stroke of halftime.
The early stages of the second half saw Moses Mthembu get an opportunity for Richards Bay but he did not connect well with the ball, further adding to the team’s frustration on the evening.
Shortly afterwards a lapse in concentration from the Natal Rich Boyz led to Marumo Gallants opening the scoring through a shot from long range from Christopher Sithole in the 51st minute.
Things went from bad to worse for the home team as Yanele Mbuthuma received a second yellow card for dangerous play when he attempted a bicycle kick in the penalty area, also injuring himself in the process.
The match turned on its head in the 86th minute when Justice Figuareido levelled matters for the Natal Rich Boyz.
And just two minutes later Ntlonelo Bomelo put the hosts ahead as he took advantage of an opportunity to score.
Four minutes of additional time were added, however Siwelele sa Marumo did not manage to recover from losing their lead and ultimately lost the match in KZN.
Richards Bay (0) 2 (Figuareido 86’, Bomelo 88’)
Marumo Gallants (0) 1 (Sithole 51’)
Richards Bay: J. Salim, L. Mabuya (R. Dlamini 14’), T. Mabua, K. Allan, N. Ndaba, M. Mthembu (L. Mhlongo 90+3’), T. Mthethwa, T. Gumede (S. Ntsundwana 46’), J. Figuareido (F. Gcaba 90+3’), T. Mohlamme (N. Bomelo 78’), Y. Mbuthuma
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, M. Chabatsane (L. Mabotja 70’), M. Sikhosana, M. Mathiane, P. Khumalo, E. Manaka, J. Dion (G. Mhango 58’), K. Mahlatsi, T. Mokobodi (M. Mphambaniso 70’), D. Msendami, S. Sithole (P. Nange 83’)
