Late goal secures draw for Maritzburg United against Richards Bay FC

Despite dropping points, Richards Bay climbed into the top eight on the table while Maritzburg remained at the bottom of the log, four points from safety.

Maritzburg made five changes to their starting line-up following their last-gasp defeat to Sekhukhune United, as Alfred Ndengane, Wayde Jooste, Bonginkosi Makume, Karim Kimvuidi, and Tumelo Njoti were recalled.

The Rich Boyz had three changes from their loss against Golden Arrows, with Luvuyo Memela, Sakhile Hlongwa, and Mpho Mathebula brought back into the side.

Maritzburg started the game brightly, creating a number of chances in the opening exchanges. However, Richards Bay were content to sit back and absorb the pressure, looking for opportunities on the counter-attack.

The first-half was closely contested, with neither side able to break the deadlock until the 37th minute when Sanele Barns scored a goal for The Rich Boyz after being put through on goal by Hlongwa.

The Team of Choice started the second half strongly, with Friday Samu almost equalising five minutes from the restart with a header that was saved by goalkeeper Salim Magoola.

However, Richards Bay continued to defend resolutely and denied Maritzburg any clear-cut chances. United coach Fadlu Davids reinforced his attack on the hour-mark, bringing on Amadou Soukouna and Kwame Peprah to try and spark a comeback.

The visitors continued to sit back and defend deep in their own half in the closing stages of the game, but Maritzburg finally found their rhythm in the dying minutes as they searched for an equaliser.

In stoppage time, Palace managed to score a header from a cross by Brandon Theron to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw for Maritzburg.

Despite dropping points, Richards Bay FC moved up to eighth place on the table, while Maritzburg United remained at the bottom of the log.