Durban City fight back to draw with Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal derby

Durban City came from behind to draw 1-1 with Richards Bay in their second successive derby, leaving both KwaZulu-Natal sides still waiting for their first Betway Premiership victory of the season.

Richards Bay took the lead at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday night after Durban City failed to make their early pressure count, but an unfortunate own goal from Thembela Sikhakhane brought the hosts level in the 69th minute.

The match was the third league outing of the campaign for Durban City, who had failed to score in their opening two matches. Their lack of a cutting edge was again apparent during a first half in which they created opportunities but struggled to finish them.

Gaston Sirino was central to much of City’s attacking play. He delivered a dangerous cutback from the right that was put wide before striking the crossbar with another attempt. Jean Lubumba then missed the rebound with the goal exposed.

Richards Bay punished those misses in the 19th minute. Aqaba Xulu took advantage of a defensive mistake, worked his way past the challenge and sent a powerful finish into the roof of the net.

The visitors’ goalkeeper Ian Otieno then protected their advantage with an excellent low save at the feet of Thabo Nodada, who had been released by the lively Tylo Sanger.

Durban City continued to threaten, particularly through the aerial presence of Lubumba and Tashreeq Morris. Morris came close to equalising in the 32nd minute when he brought down another fine delivery from Sirino, only to volley over from the edge of the penalty area.

Richards Bay remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Xulu, growing in confidence, forced Frederick Asare into a save with a clever flick between the goalkeeper’s legs, and he was unlucky not to meet a cross that travelled across the face of goal. City also survived a penalty-box handball appeal before the interval.

Richards Bay manager Ronnie Gabriel would have been the more satisfied of the two coaches at half-time, with his side dealing effectively with City’s attacks while still posing a threat of extending their lead.

Durban City made a determined start to the second half but could not take advantage of a series of corners and a free-kick. Their task was made more difficult by Morris being substituted at the interval, reducing their aerial threat, while they also struggled to keep possession for long periods.

Sanger’s effort from distance briefly lifted the home crowd, but Richards Bay appeared to retain control. A double save by Asare in the 65th minute prevented the visitors from adding to their advantage, while Otieno was also called upon to make saves as City increased the pressure.

The equaliser arrived through an element of fortune. Luphumlo Sifumba’s cross from the right took an awkward deflection and Sikhakhane inadvertently directed the ball into his own net.

That changed the momentum of the contest. Durban City became the more attacking side, especially on the left, but neither team could find a winning goal.

Elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal, AmaZulu made it an encouraging start to the campaign by beating Siwelele 2-0 at Kings Park. Milford FC also recorded a landmark result, defeating Kruger United 2-1 for the first Betway Premiership win in the club’s history.

The weekend’s biggest fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium, where Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns shared the points in a heavyweight encounter. Sekhukhune United continued their strong opening to the season with a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby.