Richard Bay FC reclaimed second spot on the DStv Premiership table after edging ten-man Marumo Gallants on Saturday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Marumo Gallants 0-2 Richards Bay FC
Date: 14 January 2023
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Ranga Chivaviro was rewarded with a start for Gallants after his goal against Stellenbosch midweek, with Mahlatse Makudubela dropping to the bench.
For the visitors, Siyanda Msani returned to the starting line-up after he was unable to play against his parent club Mamelodi Sundowns last week.
Gallants have fallen behibd first in their last three four league matches and they would hope to break that run as they looked to move away from the drop zone.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first half, with Nkomo going closest with a header that sailed well over the target midway through the half.
Unfortunately for the supporters in attendance, there would be no goals in the first half for either side but the hosts did make a change before the break, with Joseph Malongoane coming on for Sibusiso Sibeko.
Richards Bay had a couple chances of their own after the break, with Msane failing to beat Washington Arubi from close range while Mthembu fired a powerful strike inches wide.
Things turned sour for Gallants in the 74th minute after Sibusiso Khumalo was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving the hosts to finish the game with ten men.
Richards Bay took advantage of the numbers game after opening the scoring six minutes later, with Sanele Barns getting his second goal of the campaign with a neat finish.
Gallants were unable to claw themselves back into the contest as they did against Stellenbosch midweek, as Richards Bay doubled their lead in the 86th minute after Tshepo Mabua found the back of the net to wrap up the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 28. Nkomo, 5. Mabotja, 15. Mphambaniso, 30. Kumalo, 23. Mdlinzo, 8. Chivaviro, 10. Ngema, 12. Khiba, 11. Otladisa, 50. Sibeko
Subs: 16. Watenga, 13. Kgoetyane, 34. Pheko, 44. Bobete, 4. Monyepao, 42. Yidah, 31. Maraisane, 32. Makudubela, 21. Molangoane
Richards Bay FC: 80. Magoola, 2. Maphathe, 35. Mabua, 5. Mthethwa, 34. Nyauza, 12. Mathebula, 30. Barns, 50. Zungu, 45. Ntsundwana, 20. Mthembu, 7. Msane
Subs: 16. Jacobs, 15. Hlongwa, 77. Ochieng, 38. Dlamini, 4. Mtolo, 14. Majadibodu, 6. Mabaso, 9. Mbuthuma, 22. Mabuya.
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