Richards Bay FC roared back from a second-half deficit to overcome Durban City FC in a pulsating Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final, ultimately securing a hard-fought 3–1 victory after a dominant extra-time performance.
The win propels Ronnie Gabriel’s side into the semi-finals for the third season running, keeping their dream of a maiden major trophy alive.
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A Tight Battle in Regular Time
The match was a tense affair for 90 minutes. Durban City, under the guidance of veteran coach Gavin Hunt, began with purpose and controlled the early stages.
After a lively, but scoreless, first half where both sides created opportunities, the deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute.
Durban City’s breakthrough came from Trevor Mokwena, who capped a period of pressure by unleashing a powerful strike.
The effort struck the woodwork, agonizingly bouncing across the line and in to give the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead.
As the clock ticked down, Richards Bay pressed desperately for an equalizer. Their persistence finally paid dividends in the 84th minute thanks to their experienced forward, Knox Mutizwa.
The striker showed quick reflexes and poaching instinct, reacting fastest to a ricochet inside the box following a cross and toe-poking the ball home from close range.
The late goal sent the home crowd into raptures and forced the high-stakes quarter-final into extra time with the score locked at 1–1.
Extra Time Dominance
In the additional thirty minutes, Richards Bay’s superior fitness and intensity proved too much for a visibly tiring Durban City side.
Coach Ronnie Gabriel’s decision to introduce fresh legs paid off handsomely.
The crucial goal arrived in the 100th minute. Substitute Mbulelo Nombengula announced his presence with a magnificent finish, firing a stunning strike past the keeper from a tight angle to put the “Natal Rich Boyz” ahead for the first time in the contest, making it 2–1.
As Hunt’s men pushed high in a desperate search for a second equalizer, they left gaps at the back, and Richards Bay exploited the open play.
The victory was put beyond all doubt in the final minute of extra time when Lundi Mahala latched onto a well-placed through ball.
Bursting into the wide channels, Mahala kept his composure to drill the ball into the far corner of the net, sealing the 3–1 win and crushing Durban City’s hopes of advancing.
It was a spirited and resilient display from Richards Bay, who overcame the disappointment of conceding first to show impressive attacking flair in the final stages, demonstrating why they are perennial contenders in this competition.