In a pulsating encounter at the Princess Magogo Stadium this weekend, Sekhukhune United claimed maximum points with a 3-2 win over Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Saturday afternoon.

After finding themselves 2-0 down until the 77th minute, Richards Bay clawed their way back via an impressive brace by Nqaba Xulu before Ngoanamello Rammala had the last laugh with a clinical finish in the 89th minute of the match.

Babina Noko settled well into the game early on and held possession for large parts during the first 10 minutes. Sekhukhune's pressure paid off in the ninth minute, taking the lead following an incisive move toward goal. After being fed through, Tshepo Mokoane evaded the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper, and directed the ball toward the net after Lwandile Mabuya failed to clear his line.

The game slowed down dramatically after Sekhukhune's opener with neither side creating any clear-cut scoring chances by the midway point of the first-half.

Richards Bay put Sekhukhune under immense pressure during the closing stages of the half after turning the possession count on its head. However, the home side struggled to break through the Sekhukhune backline and saw out the first 45 minutes unscathed.

The Natal Rich Boyz came out fighting after the restart and immediately created one of their best chances of the match in the 50th minute. After a dangerous ball was swung into the area, Moses Mthembu latched onto a curling cross before rifling the ball over the bar.

Richards Bay came agonisingly close to leveling matters in the 61st minute after Xulu struck the upright from close range following a swift break into the area

Despite playing under pressure, Sekhukhune extended their lead in the 72nd minute as Ndongani Gilbani joined in on the action. Following a free-kick situation, Gilbani found himself in the right position inside the area to intercept a headed clearance before fining the back of the net with a venomous left footed volley

Richards Bay responded moments later, as the hosts likewise capitalised from a set-piece situation. As a low driving shot made its way into the area, Xulu managed to get a last-ditch touch en-route to goal that caught the goalkeeper off guard

The home side grabbed the equalizer in the 86th minute after a sustained period of pressure going forward. With Xulu on the shoulder of Daniel Cardoso, the striker ditched his marker before finding the back of the net after his initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

Not holding back, Sekhukhune re-took the lead in the dying moments of the match with a rapid transition attacking move. With Babina Noko moving forward, Ngoanamello Rammala latched onto a well-weighted through ball before scoring with a calm left-footed shot into the top right corner.

Given their late effort, Sekhukhune managed to hold on to secure the win and end their two-match drawing streak in the process.

Richards Bay: (0) 2 ( Xulu 77’ 86’)

Sekhukhune United: (1) 3 (Mokoane 10’, Gilbani 73’, Rammala 89’)

Richards Bay: Mtshali, Gwele (Mahala 14’), Sikhakhane, Mcineka, Mabuya, Gumede, Nzama, Khumalo, Mthembu, Barns (Ngema 67’), Xulu

Sekhukhune United: Buthelezi, Matsimbi, Cardoso, Gibani, Kazeem, Tlaka (Sangweni 18’), Mkhize, Nkwana (Phiri 66’), Rammala, Mokoane (Ohizu 89’), Muzeu (Ndlovu 66’)