Sekhukhune United beat Richards Bay to reach Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Sekhukhune United secured a place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC on Sunday evening.

Chibuike Ohizu put Babina Noko ahead in the 53rd minute before Thabang Makubo doubled their advantage inside the final five minutes. Nqaba Xulu pulled one back for Richards Bay, but Sekhukhune restored their two-goal lead to end any prospect of a comeback.

The result extended Sekhukhune’s run of back-to-back victories against Richards Bay, while the Natal Rich Boys’ difficult sequence continued. Richards Bay had not won in any competition before the match and arrived after a 4-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sekhukhune attempted to make an early impression, with a cross from the right finding Ellis Rammala in the middle of the area. However, the forward was unable to make proper contact with his header.

Richards Bay struggled to settle in possession, as the home side tried to impose themselves on the contest. Despite having the greater momentum, Sekhukhune were unable to turn their early pressure into a goal during a first half in which there was little to separate the teams.

Babina Noko made a change before the decisive period, bringing on Mcedisi Vandala for Oageng Phiri in an effort to alter the flow of the match.

Sekhukhune took the lead when Ohizu reacted to a ball played over the top and fired beyond Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

Vandala almost extended the advantage soon afterwards. The substitute advanced from midfield into the penalty area and got away a shot, but Otieno moved quickly to the ground to smother the effort.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, Sekhukhune added a second. Thabang Makubo broke forward from midfield and finished past Otieno to open his scoring account for the campaign.

Richards Bay responded almost immediately after hesitant defending gave Xulu enough room inside the box. He created space for a reverse pass and guided the ball into the bottom corner.

Sekhukhune continued to attack and re-established their two-goal cushion when Muzeu met a pinpoint delivery into the area with a header that found the bottom corner, effectively ending Richards Bay’s hopes of recovering the tie.

Sekhukhune United’s next fixtures are away against Milford and Chippa United, followed by a home match against Siwelele, an away game at AmaZulu FC and a meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Richards Bay will visit Kruger United before hosting Stellenbosch FC. They then travel to Marumo Gallants and TS Galaxy, followed by a home fixture against Orlando Pirates.