Richards Bay FC registered their first win of the season in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Moroka Swallows FC on Friday evening.
Swallows coach Steve Komphela made one change from the win over Cape Town Spurs, as Kwanda Mngonyama came in for Keegan Allan, while Hassan Banda, Lucky Mohomi and Somila Ntsundwana came in for the visiting side..
Both sides enjoyed chances to go ahead following the opening stages, with Tshegofatso Mabasa going wide after a surging run from the middle as the referee waved advantage from a foul.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay fashioned in a smart attempt through a corner-kick moments apart where Justice Figuareido’s looping header pushed goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to a save.
The Natal Rich Boys got another golden chance four minutes before halftime through Ntsundwana, but he missed with the goal at his mercy at the far post.
However, Richards Bay got their reward ten minutes after halftime through Figuareido, who opened up his body in the area to rifle in Barns’ low ball.
Swallows introduced two changes near the closing quarter, with Andile Jali replacing Kagiso Malinga while Lantshane Phalane took the place of Tlakusani Mthethwa.
The Natal Rich Boys looked to pounce on a defensive mix-up after a poor clearance by Mngonyama, but Akpeyi was on hand to thwart Ntsundwana.
Swallows should’ve gone level with a cross-cum shot from Keenan Phillips, but it hit the upright before Gabadinho Mhango mis-directed the follow-up onto the roof of the net.
The Natal Rich Boys were denied a second goal by the host too in the dying minutes through Yanela Mbuthuma’s first-time shot from close-range that hit the upright.
Swallows came close again when Phillips headed over at the back-post after attacking a cross, as Richards Bay held on to claim their first win since January.
Confirmed line-ups:
Moroka Swallows: Akpeyi, Sibiya, Phillips, Mngonyama, Sam, Mthethwa, Makhubela, Malinga, Mtshali, Mhango, Mabasa
Subs: Mbanjwa, Maponya, Tshanini, Patjie, Sait, Phalane, Wambe, Zuma, Jali
Richards Bay: Magoola, Dlamini, Mabua, Banda, Dube, Komane, Barns, Mohomi, Figareido, Mhlongo, Ntsundwana
Subs: Mabokgwane, Maphathe, Ndlovu, Koapeng, Mabaso, Miya, Makateng, Mbuthuma
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