Dramatic KZN derby ends in stalemate as Richards Bay and Arrows share the spoils

Richards Bay FC maintained their reputation as draw specialists on Friday night, playing out a frantic 2-2 stalemate with Golden Arrows at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex.

The mid-table KZN derby provided a crucial point for visiting coach Manqoba Mngqithi, successfully halting a dismal run of four consecutive defeats.

Despite the visitors bossing the early exchanges, it was the Natal Rich Boyz who struck first. Lundi Mahala was brought down in the area in the seventh minute, allowing Moses Mthembu to clinically dispatch the resulting penalty.

Richards Bay nearly doubled their advantage shortly after when Knox Mutizwa unleashed a spectacular bicycle kick that drew gasps from the home crowd. Arrows struggled for an immediate response, with Ayabulela Maxwele’s long-range effort whistling narrowly wide.

The equaliser eventually arrived for Abafana Bes’thende in the 27th minute. Siyanda Ndlovu delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Lungelo Nguse, who made no mistake from close range.

The drama intensified just before the interval when Arrows keeper Thakasani Mbanjwa tipped a fierce strike onto the crossbar; the rebound was headed home by Thabane Zuke, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul in the build-up. The teams could still not be separated at the break.

The home side created the first two chances of the half but skied both. They were made to pay when the electric Ndlovu outpaced the Richards Bay defence and rounded the keeper to give Arrows the lead in the 50th minute.

Stung into action, the Rich Boyz ramped up the tempo. The stadium erupted in the 64th minute when Mahala rose highest to power a header across goal and into the far corner, courtesy of a delightful cross from the provider-turned-scorer Mthembu.

As the clock ticked down, the influential Sanele Barns took control for Ronnie Gabriel’s side, leaving Arrows hanging on.

However, both sides had late chances to snatch victory; Arrows substitute Jerome Karelse scuffed a shot in the box, while Ian Otieno produced a brilliant save to deny Arrows' Junior Dion in the dying embers. The result leaves Richards Bay in ninth place, while Golden Arrows climbed one spot to tenth.