Richards Bay became the latest side to progress to the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup competition, following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Moroka Swallows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In ending their three-match winless streak, Yanela Mbuthuma striker’s effort in the 60th minute proved to be the deciding goal in Durban as the Natal Rich Boyz advanced to the next round of the keenly anticipated tournament.
Richards Bay got the game off on a positive note and created several goal scoring opportunities during the first 10 minutes of the match. The likes of Thulani Gumede and Mbuthuma proved to be the attackers-in-chief for the home team, while Swallows struggled under the cosh.
The Natal Rich Boyz eventually took the lead in the 15th minute, with Abel Mabaso being on hand to guide home a shot that was taken on the edge of the Swallows 18-yard-area. Soon after going a goal down, Swallows managed to get into the game with a sustained period of ball possession.
The Dube Birds continued to apply pressure as the half-hour mark approached and continuously made way down their left-hand flank. With Richards Bay playing under pressure, Swallows struggled to make the most of their attacking opportunities.
The home side attacked in sporadic moments toward the end of the first half, while the Dube Birds remained in control of the tie overall. Nevertheless, with no notable goal scoring chances created in the closing stages of the half, the referee called time on the first 45 with Richards holding a slender 1-0 lead.
Swallows started the second-half on the front-foot and actively searched for an equaliser after the restart. Their pressure paid off in the 50th minute as Gabadinho Mhango pulled one back for the travelling outfit.
After a well-worked passing move inside the Richards Bay half, Bongani Sam found Mhango with a low cross into the area before the Malawian international rifled the ball home with a left-footed curler in the 18-yard-area.
Richards Bay replied 10 minutes later as Mbuthuma gave his side the lead against the run of play. The Natal Rich Boyz’ striker latched onto a well-weighted through ball into the box by Tshepo Mabua before slotting the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The hosts grew in confidence after retaking the lead and saw most of the ball during the concluding phases of the game. While Swallows had chances to level matters during stoppage time, it was Mbuthumba’s strike on the hour that separated the two sides at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Richards Bay: (1) 2 (Mabasa 15’ Mbuthuma 60’)
Moroka Swallows: (0) 1 (Mhango 50’)
RICHARDS BAY: Manqele, Maphathe, Mthethwa, Dube, Mabua, Mabaso, Barns (Mcineka 94’), Mohomi (Ndlovu 71’), Mhlongo (Mthembu 71’), Gumede, Mbuthuma, Miya (Makateng 94’)
MOROKA SWALLOWS: Akpeyi, Sam, Allan, Mngonyama (Patjie 82’), Phillips, Mtshali, Jali (Wambi 88’), Phalane (Zuma 74’), Makhubela, Mhango, Mabasa (Miya 82’)
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