Kaizer Chiefs substitutes inspire comeback but Richards Bay hold on for 2-2 draw

Kaizer Chiefs twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership, with coach Fernando da Cruz praising the influence of his substitutes while admitting his team had wasted an opportunity to claim all three points.

Nqaba Xulu scored twice for Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium, capitalising on defensive mistakes as Chiefs were forced to chase the game on two occasions.

Chiefs eventually found a way back through Siphesihle Ndlovu, whose moment of quality in the 77th minute secured a point for Amakhosi.

The equaliser came after a sustained period of pressure from the visitors. Dillan Solomons made a notable difference after being introduced, repeatedly sending dangerous crosses into the penalty area from the right.

Wandile Duba and Asanele Velebayi also brought fresh energy to the Chiefs attack as Da Cruz’s side pushed for a winning goal.

The French coach was pleased with the response from his substitutes, particularly as several of his starters were tiring.

“The idea was to put on fresh players and speed also because players who started the game were very tired,” the French coach said. “I’m very happy about the performances of the players who came in. We had two big chances, one with (Etiosa) Ighodaro, one with Duba, so I’m happy with the mindset of the impact players.”

Those chances reflected Chiefs’ overall dominance for long spells, especially after half-time. They controlled territory and possession, created pressure around the Richards Bay penalty area and had enough opportunities to take the match beyond their opponents.

But their failure to convert that control into a victory left Da Cruz frustrated, particularly because defensive errors once again proved costly.

Chiefs had also made mistakes in their previous match against Mamelodi Sundowns, and Da Cruz said the team needed to address that recurring problem.

“Today we have eight points but normally we should have had 12 points because against Mamelodi Sundowns we also made mistakes,” Da Cruz said. “So today we need to learn from our mistakes and continue to work hard and look forward.”

Da Cruz said the performance deserved more than the single point Chiefs collected, although he acknowledged that the result was shaped by the errors at the other end of the pitch.

“I have two different feelings – happy about the performance of the team because they played well, but we cannot make these types of mistakes at this level.”

Richards Bay, with Thulani Gumede making life difficult for the Chiefs players, held firm despite the sustained pressure. Chiefs’ bench provided the energy needed to mount two comebacks, while their attacking play produced enough chances to win the match.

However, the defensive lapses that allowed Xulu to score twice left Da Cruz with a familiar concern after another match in which his side’s performance was better than its final result.