Knox Mutizwa sparks extra-time comeback as Richards Bay defeat Durban City

The sides were locked at 1â-1 after ninety minutes, but Ronnie Gabriel's Richards Bay produced a dominant extra-time performance to secure their place in the semi-finals, with goals from Mbulelo Nombengula and Lundi Mahala sealing the win.

Durban City, led by Gavin Hunt, started brightly and took the lead in the 53rd minute through Trevor Mokwena, who unleashed a powerful strike that hit the upright before going in after a delivery into the box. It was a deserved opener after a lively first half in which both teams created chances but failed to find the net.

Richards Bay pushed hard for an equaliser, and their persistence finally paid off in the 84th minute when striker Knox Mutizwa reacted quickest in the area to toe-poke home from close range after a ricochet off a cross, sending the home crowd into celebration.

With neither side able to find a winner in regular time, the game moved into extra time, and Richards Bay's intensity proved too much for a tiring Durban City side.

In the 100th minute, substitute Nombengula finished with a stunning strike from a tight angle to put Richards Bay ahead for the first time.

As Hunt's men pushed forward in search of a leveller, they were punished again in the final minute of extra time when Mahala latched onto a through pass into the wide channels to fire into the far corner and make it 3â-1, putting the tie beyond doubt.

It was a spirited comeback from Gabriel's side, who showed resilience and attacking flair after falling behind. Durban City, despite a promising start, struggled to cope with the pace and energy of Richards Bay in the later stages.

Richards Bay have now reached the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive season, keeping alive hopes of a maiden major trophy.

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