Richards Bay missed out on the opportunity of finishing within a lucrative top eight place in the Betway Premiership this season, following a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United at uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.
The game sprung to life in the second half, as Lundi Mahala and Lehlogonolo Mojela netted in the 57th and 76th minute respectively.
However, the result was more disappointing for Richards Bay, who will now be unable to infiltrate the top eight in the final match of the season next weekend.
Babina Noko had Richards Bay on the back foot during the early exchanges of the first half, with Bright Ndlovu and Vuyo Letlapa testing Ian Otieno in quick succession in the seventh minute.
While Sekhukhune showcased their determination to break the deadlock from the first whistle, Moses Mthembu noted Richards Bay’s first notable scoring opportunity after summoning goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner into action with a shot from outside the area in the 14th minute.
Mthembu continued to be Richards Bay’s most present attacking outlet as he forced Leaner into action yet again in the 22nd minute following a shot from range.
However, Babina Noko ended the half on a positive note following a late attempt by Bright Ndlovu in the 43rd minute following a quick passing move into the Richards Bay box.
Richards Bay looked lively after the second-half was introduced, with Sanele Barns and Mahala being the attackers-in-chief for their side.
With Sekhukhune holding on, the Natal Rich Boyz looked dangerous on numerous occasions leading up to the hour-mark.
Then, following a set-piece situation in the 57th minute, Richards Bay’s pressure paid dividends as the ball fell into the path of Mahala, who found the back of the net with a right-footed shot from the middle of the goal.
Sekhukhune kicked into gear moments after the hour-mark, as Keletso Makgalwa and Tshepo Mashiloane took the direct approach with shots from range.
Babina Noko scored the equalising goal in the 76th minute with Mojela getting his name on the scoreboard from close range after being picked out by Makgalwa moments after Thabang Monare won a free-kick on the left-wing three minutes prior.
Richards Bay edged their counterparts to the ball during the closing stages of the match as they actively searched for the winning goal.
However, the game eventually fizzled out to a tense draw in Richards Bay with the Natal Rich Boyz missing out on the opportunity of finishing within the top eight.
As it stands, Richards Bay trail eighth by five points heading into their final league match, while Sekhukhune ended the weekend in fifth position.
Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Mahala 57’)
Sekhukhune United: (0) 1 (Mojela 76’)
Richards Bay: Otieno, Sikhakhane, Mcineka, Zulu, Mabuya, Zikhali, Nashixwa, Mthembu, Gumede (Mdunge 78’), Mahala (Bomelo 85’), Barns (Ngema 85’)
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Mashiloane, Yamba, Cardoso, Letlapa (Langa 66’), Monare (Khiba 78’), Mkhize, Nku (Mokoane 58’), Mandi (Mojela 58’), Makgalwa (Mampuru 78’), Ndlovu