Sekhukhune United secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout after defeating Richards Bay FC 3-1 on Sunday evening, with Chibuike Ohizu and Thabang Makubo among the scorers in a decisive second-half performance.

The match began with both sides determined to progress in the competition, but Sekhukhune appeared more comfortable as they looked to impose themselves on the contest.

Babina Noko came into the encounter after recording back-to-back victories in their previous meetings with Richards Bay. The visitors, meanwhile, were still searching for a win across competitions and were looking to respond after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sekhukhune attempted to make an early impact when a delivery from the right found Ellis Rammala in the centre of the penalty area. However, the forward failed to make the most of the headed opportunity.

Richards Bay struggled to settle into the game, while the home side sought to turn their early momentum into a goal. Despite their efforts, neither team managed to break the deadlock in the first half.

Sekhukhune introduced Mcedisi Vandala for Oageng Phiri as they looked to change the pace of the match after the interval.

The adjustment was followed by the opening goal in the 53rd minute. Chibuike Ohizu collected a ball played over the top and fired past Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno to give Sekhukhune the lead.

Vandala nearly doubled the advantage shortly afterwards after making a forward run from midfield, but Otieno reacted well to stop his effort.

Sekhukhune eventually extended their lead in the 81st minute when Thabang Makubo raced forward from midfield and beat Otieno. The goal also marked Makubo’s first of the campaign.

Richards Bay responded four minutes later as Nqaba Xulu found space inside the box and sent a reverse pass into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit.

However, Sekhukhune restored their two-goal advantage through Muzeu, who headed a pinpoint cross into the bottom corner to seal the 3-1 victory and end Richards Bay’s hopes of a comeback.

The result sends Sekhukhune United into the Carling Knockout quarter-finals, while Richards Bay must now turn their attention to their upcoming league fixtures.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2114419823362904548?s=46