Kaizer Chiefs fight back twice to draw with Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs avoided their first league defeat of the season after recovering from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Wednesday evening.

Nqaba Xulu scored both of Richards Bay’s goals, while Lebohang Maboe and Sphesihle Ndlovu were on target for Kaizer Chiefs. The result gave each side a point after an entertaining contest played in cold and drizzling conditions.

The match began at a fast pace, with both teams looking to make an early breakthrough. Kaizer Chiefs created the first opening when Luke Baartman struck from outside the penalty area, but his effort took a deflection off the Richards Bay defence and went wide.

Richards Bay moved ahead in the eighth minute after a mistake by Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. Under pressure from Thabo Moloisane, Petersen was unable to control a back pass before Xulu blocked his attempted clearance. The ball then travelled into the net to give the home side the lead.

Kaizer Chiefs responded with greater urgency and Baartman remained a persistent threat. The forward saw several attempts blocked by either the Richards Bay goalkeeper or defenders as Fernando Da Cruz’s team pushed for an equaliser.

The visitors eventually restored parity in the 16th minute when Maboe converted from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after Thembela Sikhakhane was penalised for handling the ball inside the area.

Kaizer Chiefs almost completed the turnaround soon afterwards. Mduduzi Shabalala’s free-kick beat the defensive wall but went narrowly over the crossbar.

The open nature of the game continued, with both sides creating opportunities as they searched for a second goal. Richards Bay regained the advantage late in the first half when Xulu completed his brace, rising to head in from a corner.

Kaizer Chiefs went into the second half needing another response, but Richards Bay initially restricted the visitors’ space by defending narrowly. The home team were not content simply to protect their lead, however, and continued to attack whenever opportunities arose.

The visitors gradually gained greater control and began creating clearer chances. Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno made several important saves to preserve his side’s advantage, while the hosts remained dangerous when they were able to reach the final third.

As the second half progressed, Richards Bay became less attacking, although they continued to pose a threat on the break and in advanced positions.

Kaizer Chiefs’ pressure finally produced a second equaliser in the 77th minute. Ndlovu scored after the visitors had made repeated attempts to find a way through the Richards Bay defence.

Neither side could find a winning goal during the closing stages, ensuring the match finished 2-2. The draw extended Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start in the league, while Richards Bay FC also took a point from a game that repeatedly swung from one end of the pitch to the other.