Richards Bay FC and Kaizer Chiefs played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Princess Magogo Stadium on a rainy night, with both sides sharing the spoils after an action-packed encounter.
The match also marked the return of Sbani Mntungwa, who made his first appearance for Richards Bay since recovering from injury.
The Natal Rich Boyz got off to a dream start in the seventh minute when Nqaba Xulu capitalised on a mistake by Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to put the hosts ahead.
Chiefs responded seven minutes later when a penalty was awarded following a foul by Mntungwa. Lebohang Maboe stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to bring Amakhosi level.
Richards Bay continued to threaten, with Moses Mthembu testing Petersen in the 36th minute, although the Chiefs goalkeeper dealt with the effort comfortably.
Three minutes later, Richards Bay restored their lead. Xulu rose highest from a corner and headed the ball into the back of the net, completing his brace and sending the hosts into half-time 2-1 ahead.
The Natal Rich Boyz continued pushing after the break, with Thulani Gumede forcing Petersen into making a save in the 51st minute. Chiefs responded with a substitution, bringing Solomons on for Monyane.
Gumede came close to extending Richards Bay’s lead in the 68th minute but missed a one-on-one opportunity, with his effort going wide.
Chiefs then began to apply pressure, with Duba having back-to-back attempts that went over the crossbar.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute when Ndlovu unleashed a powerful long-range strike to level the scores at 2-2.
Richards Bay had one final opportunity to claim all three points in stoppage time, but Mthembu’s 92nd-minute effort went wide.
The match saw plenty of yellow cards as both sides battled through the rainy conditions, but neither team could find a decisive third goal.
After an entertaining 90 minutes, Richards Bay FC and Kaizer Chiefs settled for a point apiece.
Full-time: Richards Bay FC 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs.