AmaZulu move above Kaizer Chiefs after Ngwenya inspires win over Richards Bay

AmaZulu climbed above Kaizer Chiefs into third place in the Betway Premiership after beating Richards Bay FC 2-1 on Friday, with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scoring his sixth goal of the campaign.

Ngwenya opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Moses Mthembu brought the hosts level from the penalty spot. Nkosikhona Radebe restored AmaZulu’s advantage two minutes later to secure all three points.

Richards Bay, still without a league victory, went into the match encouraged by their entertaining 2-2 draw with Kaizer Chiefs. AmaZulu, meanwhile, were looking to respond after suffering a heavy defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns and protect their position in the top five.

Wet and slippery conditions contributed to a cautious start, but AmaZulu created the first clear opportunity after 10 minutes. Athini Maqokolo ran on to a forward pass from midfield and found himself through on goal, only for Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno to stand firm and smother the danger.

Richards Bay gradually settled after the tense opening period. A promising move towards the far post allowed Nqaba Xulu to collect a cutback and shoot, although his effort went wide.

The visitors finished the first half with an opportunity of their own. After a loose ball from a corner, Ngwenya attempted a quick overhead effort, but the ball drifted wide of the near post.

AmaZulu needed only five minutes of the second half to break the deadlock. Maqokolo delivered a precise cross into the area and Ngwenya rose above the defence to direct his header into the top corner.

The goal did not lead to sustained control from Arthur Zwane’s side. Instead, AmaZulu retreated deeper and allowed Richards Bay to build pressure, with Xulu coming close to an equaliser when he fired a snapshot following a scramble in the goalmouth.

Richards Bay increased their attacking threat during the final quarter and introduced striker Lundi Mahala for the industrious Sanele Barns. The change paid off with 10 minutes remaining when Mahala drove at the AmaZulu defence, moved into the penalty area and was fouled.

Mthembu took responsibility from the spot and converted clinically to make it 1-1.

AmaZulu responded immediately. Two minutes later, a defensive lapse gave Maqokolo space on the near side, and he combined quickly with Radebe. The midfielder finished first time into the far corner to give Usuthu the lead again and settle the contest.

The result lifts AmaZulu to third in the Betway Premiership standings, ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, while Richards Bay remain without a win.

AmaZulu’s next three league fixtures are against Marumo Gallants at home, followed by away matches against Polokwane City and Durban City.

Richards Bay will travel to face Milford FC before hosting Sekhukhune United. Their third listed fixture is a home meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.