Stellenbosch FC were made to settle for a point at home after being held to a 1-1 draw against Richards Bay in Friday’s Betway Premiership encounter.

In the first of three consecutive league matches at home for Stellenbosch FC, the team from the Cape Winelands welcomed Richards Bay to Danie Craven Stadium on Friday evening for a highly-anticipated Betway Premiership encounter.

The hosts were dealt a near-immediate blow in the clash when the Natal Rich Boyz took an early lead in the second minute through Thato Mohlamme, who reacted quickest to a rebound to give his side the advantage.

Stellenbosch pushed forward in search of an equaliser with a display of enterprising football, but were unable to break through a resolute defensive effort from the visitors before the half-time interval.

It was one-way traffic in the second stanza once more and that pressure was ultimately rewarded in the 78th minute when substitute Lesiba Nku was fouled inside the box by a high boot from Keegan Allen.

Fawaaz Basadien stepped up to convert the resulting penalty with composure to level the scores and give Stellies something to play for heading into the final stages of the match.

However, despite a late push for a match-winning goal, Stellenbosch were unable to find a decisive play and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Steve Barker’s charges will be in action again on Friday evening when they welcome Magesi FC to the DC, where a victory could see the Maroons climb as high as fifth place in the Betway Premiership standings.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Enyinnaya (Nku 46′), Moloisane, Toure, Basadien, Khiba, Jabaar (Butsaka 63′), Lekoloane (Phili 46′), Barns, Titus, Cupido (De Jong 46′)