Sekhukhune United Send Richards Bay Packing to Book Carling Knockout Quarter-Final Spot

Sekhukhune United Send Richards Bay Packing with Convincing Carling Knockout Victory

Sekhukhune United continued their impressive run of form on Sunday evening, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Babina Noko delivered an encouraging performance at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, demonstrating their attacking quality and determination to progress to the next round of the prestigious domestic competition.

The victory also strengthened Sekhukhune United's growing confidence as they continue to compete on multiple fronts during the 2026/27 campaign.

Ohizu Breaks the Deadlock

The encounter started with Sekhukhune looking determined to take control, while Richards Bay adopted a cautious approach in an attempt to frustrate their opponents.

Despite creating opportunities during the opening half, Babina Noko struggled to find the breakthrough before the interval.

One of the biggest talking points of the first half came in the 42nd minute when Sekhukhune felt they deserved a penalty after Ngoanamello Rammala went down inside the opposition's box. However, the referee awarded a free-kick outside the area, allowing Richards Bay to escape without conceding.

The teams went into the half-time break with the score still goalless, leaving everything to play for in the second period.

Sekhukhune eventually broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart when Nigerian striker Chibuike Ohizu found the back of the net in the 53rd minute.

The forward finished confidently after receiving an excellent pass from Nyiko Mobbie, giving the home side a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Makubo and Muzeu Seal the Victory

With the advantage secured, Sekhukhune continued searching for another goal to strengthen their position in the contest.

Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when substitute Thabang Makubo doubled the lead with an impressive individual effort that left the Richards Bay defence struggling to respond.

However, the visitors immediately showed signs of life.

Nqaba Xulu reduced the deficit in the 84th minute, giving Richards Bay renewed hope of producing a late comeback.

Their celebrations were short-lived, though, as Sekhukhune restored their two-goal advantage through Bethuel Muzeu in the 88th minute.

The substitute finished with a header following an excellent delivery from Siphesihle Mkhize, effectively ending Richards Bay's hopes of surviving the encounter.

The match eventually ended 3-1 in favour of Babina Noko.

Richards Bay Face Another Challenge

The defeat brings Richards Bay's Carling Knockout campaign to an end, leaving the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to redirect their attention towards the Betway Premiership.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune will enter the quarter-finals with renewed confidence as they continue their pursuit of silverware.

Their victory places them among the teams that have already secured qualification for the last eight, alongside AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows and Siwelele FC.

With momentum building and their attacking players finding form, Sekhukhune United will be eager to maintain their progress and challenge for the Carling Knockout title.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2114419823362904548