SuperSport United kept their unbeaten record at home in the DStv Premiership intact, following their 1-1 draw against Richards Bay FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday evening.
The game got off to a fiery start at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, which produced end-to-end action in the first five minutes.
A scrappy affair during the early exchanges, both teams showcased their zeal in getting on the ball during the feeling out process.
Richards Bay settled on the ball soon thereafter and threatened to penetrate the SSU backline, particularly from their right-hand side.
After the 20th minute mark, the Natal Rich Boys stroked the ball around with ease and looked progressive in wide areas of the pitch.
Matsatsantsa attacked sporadically and struggled to get into the game as a result of Richards Bay’s zip in the middle of the park.
As the halftime break approached, Richards Bay continued to adopt a patient approach in their build-up play, while SuperSport often went long in search of making ground upfield.
With the referee calling time on the first 45 in Atteridgeville, SSU and Richards Bay went into the break with the score tied at 0-0.
The Natal Rich Boyz got the second half off to a bright start and immediately assumed possession of the ball. In dealing with the visiting team’s pressure, SSU remained solid in defensive positions.
With an hour of football played, both teams looked to their respective benches and reinforcements with the hope of changing the complexion of the match.
However, Richards Bay maintained their attacking thrust, while SuperSport struggled to get into the game.
In a game changing moment, Richards Bay took the lead in the 66th minute after capitalising on a mistake made by Bhasera and Goss in the penalty area.
After failing to deal with a long ball played into the box, Barns was on hand to collect the ball before giving his side the lead from close range.
SuperSport United levelled matters in the 82nd minute, after going the direct route into the Richards Bay danger zone. With a through ball played into the box, Gabuza availed himself with his deflected shot finding the back of the net.
Richards Bay FC were awarded a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 86th minute as the referee spotted an infringement inside the SSU box.
However, Mabua failed to give his side the lead as Goss pulled off an astonishing save to keep the home side in the game.
SuperSport United and Richard's Bay settle for a point apiece ??#DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/aq3pGjsknU
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) January 22, 2023
Supersport United: (0) 1 (Gabuza 82’)
Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Barns 66’)
SuperSport United: Goss, Bhasera, Nhlapo, Fleurs, Johannes, Maswanganyi (Gabuza 76’), Ndlovu, Margeman, Lungu (Rayners 60’), Maseko (Webber 75’), Grobler (Sibanyoni 60’)
Richards Bay: Salim, Msani, Mabua, Nyauza (Majadibadu 45’), Maphethe, Mathebula (Mtlolo 58’), Barns, Ntsundwana (Mbuthuma 90’), Mabaso, Memela, Makateng (Ochieng 73’)