TS Galaxy and Richards Bay played out a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Rockets claimed an early lead via Sphiwe Mahlangu, but were quickly pegged back by the Natal Rich Boyz’s Langelihle Mhlongo. The point apiece sees the teams remain in position on the log, with Galaxy in 11th (nine points from seven matches) and Bay in 15th (six from eight).
Galaxy clicked into an attacking rhythm early on and claimed the lead in the sixth minute, with Higor Vidal providing a cross from the right of the penalty area to pick out the late run of Sphiwe Mahlangu, who finished with a composed left-footed volley for 1-0.
The hosts appeared to have the game under control, but on 27 minutes Mlungisi Mbunjana was robbed of possession on the edge of the box by Langelihle Mhlongo, who then sent a low shot past goalkeeper Vasilije Kolak for 1-1.
The Rockets had further chances through the remainder of the first half, including a heart-in-mouth moment for Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola when he spilt a low cross, but the score remained level up to the interval.
The Natal Rich Boyz enjoyed the better attacking moments in the second half, including an early free-kick which Kolak fumbled in his own six-yard area (with his defence bailing him out) as well as a header from Justice Figuareido which flashed wide of the target.
Bay created a great chance with just under 10 minutes of regulation time to play when substitute Sinethemba Mngomezulu muscled onto a ball over the top of the defence, but he was denied by an excellent save from Kolak.
The lively Figuareido threatened again on 88 minutes with a left-footed shot which flashed across the face of goal – the last clear chance at either end before the match concluded with a 1-1 score line.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action this coming Wednesday, with Galaxy away to Stellenbosch FC and Bay at home to Polokwane City.
TS Galaxy (1) 1 (S. Mahlangu 6’)
Richards Bay (1) 1 (Mhlongo 27’)
Galaxy: Kolak, Letsoenyo, M. Mahlangu, Sanoka, Mvelase (Munyai 46’), Mbunjana, S. Mahlangu (Mojela 62’), Mbatha (Sebelebele 62’), Parker (Gabuza 86’), Vidal (Siladi 71’), Nurkovic
Bay: Magoola, Mohomi (Mabaso 82’), Komane, Banda (Mthethwa 69’), Dube, Mhlongo, Figuareido, Dlamini, Mabua, Barns, Ntsundwana (Mngomezulu 77’)