Kaizer Chiefs were forced to settle for a point after fighting back twice to draw 2–2 with Richards Bay in an entertaining Betway Premiership clash at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Wednesday night.
Chiefs had set out to end their KwaZulu-Natal hoodoo, but a constant drizzle that started just before kick-off was perhaps to blame for the tackles that went flying in early, particularly from the ‘home’ side.
It did nothing, however, to dampen the spirits of the throngs of Richards Bay fans who were in full voice throughout the match.
The Natal Rich Boyz drew first blood in the eighth minute, capitalising on a bit of indecisiveness from Brandon Petersen. The Chiefs goalkeeper tried to control a back pass before clearing, but Nqaba Xulu got in the way and the ball deflected into the net.
Chiefs roared back, launching wave after wave of attack, and were handed a lifeline in the 17th minute when they were awarded a penalty after the ball ricocheted off Thembela Sikhakhane’s hand in the box.
Lebohang Maboe calmly slotted the ball past Ian Ottieno and into the roof of the net to level matters.
Richards Bay, though, remained dangerous on the counter, with the powerful Xulu a constant menace. Their robust approach also resulted in three yellow cards inside the opening 30 minutes.
Petersen did well to cope with some long-range efforts but could do nothing to stop a towering Xulu header off a corner in the 39th minute that looped over his head and restored Richards Bay’s lead.
Chiefs dominated territory and possession after the break, with the right flank providing plenty of joy, but they struggled to find an end product from a number of dangerous crosses into the box.
Thulane Gumede almost extended the hosts’ lead with a rasping drive that stung Petersen’s palms, while he later missed a glorious opportunity to put the game beyond Chiefs when he shot narrowly wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Chiefs brought on Wandile Duba as they chased the game, while substitute Dillan Solomons continued to send delightful crosses into the box from the right.
But it took a moment of magic to finally draw Amakhosi level.
Siphesihle Ndlovu rifled his shot into the roof of the net after a perfectly dragged-back cross from Asanele Velebayi on the left in the 77th minute, giving Chiefs renewed hope of completing the comeback.
Richards Bay, however, held firm through the closing stages to claim a point, while Chiefs will reflect on another frustrating night in KwaZulu-Natal.
