AmaZulu edge Richards Bay as Marumo Gallants are held by Polokwane City

AmaZulu moved back into third place in the Betway Premiership after a 2-1 victory over KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay, while Marumo Gallants extended their winless run with a 2-2 draw against Polokwane City on Friday.

The match between AmaZulu and Richards Bay was played at Princess Magogo Stadium, while Gallants and Polokwane City shared four goals at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

AmaZulu leave it late against Richards Bay

AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored for the fifth consecutive league match as Arthur Zwane’s side secured victory over Richards Bay.

Both teams began cautiously, with few clear opportunities created in the opening stages. AmaZulu gradually took control but were unable to seriously test Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno before half-time, leaving the teams level at 0-0.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the interval. Ngwenya rose highest to meet a looping cross that had taken a deflection, directing his header into the net for his sixth league goal of the season.

Richards Bay responded with greater urgency and were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after AmaZulu conceded from a situation Zwane’s side will have regarded as avoidable. Moses Mthembu converted from the spot to bring the home side level.

AmaZulu, however, had the final say. Nkosikhona Radebe reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly finished to restore the visitors’ lead.

The result lifted AmaZulu back into third place in the league table. Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boys, remain 12th and are still without a win in 12 matches.

Gallants and Polokwane trade goals

Marumo Gallants remain without a victory after being held to a 2-2 draw by Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby.

Polokwane made the stronger start and took the lead in the third minute. Tidimalo Molokwane met a flick-on from Juan Mutudza with a volley that gave goalkeeper Emile Lako no chance.

Gallants recovered and levelled in the 17th minute through Msindisi Kunene. His low long-range effort appeared manageable, but Polokwane goalkeeper Ayanda Ngwenya was unable to keep it out.

The visitors regained their advantage eight minutes later. Bonginkosi Dlamini ran on to a through ball before finishing past Lako to put Polokwane back in front.

Gallants continued to press and were rewarded just before the interval. Defender Lebohang Nkaki misjudged a long ball towards his own penalty area and inadvertently headed it over his goalkeeper and into the net, giving the home side an equaliser.

Neither side could find a winning goal after the break. Both teams attempted efforts from distance, but most failed to trouble the two goalkeepers as the match ended level on a rainy Friday evening.

The point moved Polokwane City, also known as Babina Noko, up to eighth in the Betway Premiership standings. Marumo Gallants remain 15th.