Stellenbosch FC battled to back to secure a 1-1 draw with Richards Bay FC in Betway Premiership action on Friday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Richards Bay FC
Date: 21 February 2025
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium
Ashley Cupido was given a start by Stellies after netting twice in his substitute cameo against TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening.
The hosts got off to the perfect start as the son of Benedict Vilakazi, Thato Mohlamme, pounced on a rebound from a free-kick to fire into an empty net after two minutes.
Steve Barker's charges took control thereafter and managed to carve out a couple chances, with the in-form Devin Titus going closest with a glancing header that sailed just wide of Salim Magoola's upright.
The home side were forced to come from behind against Galaxy a few days ago, but they were finding it tough to carve out chances in the 18-yard area as Richards Bay defended quite deep in their own half.
Steve Barker responded with a triple change at the start of the second half, as Andre de Jong, Lesiba Nku and Langelihle Phili replaced Cupido, Khomotjo Lekoloane and Enyinnaya Godswill.
However, Richards Bay should have doubled their lead ten minutes into the second period through Mohlamme, who fired straight at Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens in a one-on-one situation in the box.
Salim Magoola was called into action at the other end, with the Richards Bay shot-stopper producing a superb save to deny Phili while De Jong rattled the upright from the rebound.
With 15 minutes to go, Stellenbosch were given a lifeline after being awarded a penalty for Keegan Allan's foul on Nku. Fawaaz Basadien stepped up and calmly slotted home for the equaliser.
Neither side were able to bag the winning goal in the latter stages, as Stellies remain in seventh position while Richards Bay find themselves in 13th.
Here's how they line up:
Stellenbosch FC: 17. Stephens, 5. Lekoloane, 45. Toure, 16. Enyinnaya, 19. Khiba, 20. Barns, 21. Basadien, 24. Moloisane, 27. Jabaar, 34. Titus, 9. Cupido.
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 2. Onyango, 8. Nduli, 15. Butsaka, 3. Mdaka, 11. Phili, 14. De Jong, 7. Nku, 28. Palace
Richards Bay: 16. Magoola, 2. Gcaba, 72. Mabua, 5. Allan, 25. Mcineka, 25. Mthethwa, 17. Gumede, 20. Mthembu, 27. Bomelo, 7. Mohlamme, 23. Figareido
Subs: 1. Otieno, 18. Dube, 10. Ngema, 3. Ndaba, 21. Mhlongo, 29. Macuphu, 8. Mdantsane, 36. Zikhali, 11. Kutumela
