Kaizer Chiefs held by Richards Bay after four-goal swing in Durban

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC in a match of changing fortunes at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night.

The result means Amakhosi remain third in the early Betway Premiership table, with eight points from their opening four matches under new French coach Fernando da Cruz.

Richards Bay FC made the stronger start and moved in front after eight minutes. Nqaba Xulu opened the scoring for the home side, giving Bay an early advantage in a difficult away fixture for Kaizer Chiefs.

The visitors responded 11 minutes later when Lebohang Maboe brought the score level in the 19th minute. His goal changed the direction of the contest and put Kaizer Chiefs back on terms before half-time.

Richards Bay FC, however, restored their lead before the interval. Xulu scored again in the 39th minute to complete his brace and send the home team into the break 2-1 ahead.

That second goal left Kaizer Chiefs needing to recover once more, having already overturned the early deficit. The match continued to swing between the two sides, with the visitors searching for another equaliser after half-time.

Amakhosi’s pressure eventually produced the outcome they were seeking. Siphesihle Ndlovu scored in the 77th minute to make it 2-2 and prevent Richards Bay FC from claiming victory.

The late equaliser ensured the points were shared at King Zwelithini Stadium. Kaizer Chiefs preserved their position in third place, while the final score reflected a contest in which the lead changed hands more than once.

The draw came during the early part of the league season, with Fernando da Cruz beginning his tenure as Kaizer Chiefs coach. After four matches, Amakhosi have collected eight points in the Betway Premiership.

For Richards Bay FC, the match offered the prospect of securing a home win after Xulu had twice put the side ahead. His opening goal came in the eighth minute, before Maboe’s response, and his second arrived shortly before half-time after Kaizer Chiefs had levelled.

Kaizer Chiefs again had to come from behind in the second half, and Ndlovu’s 77th-minute strike completed the scoring. Neither side added to the four goals, leaving the match tied at 2-2 and the visitors with a point from their trip to Durban.