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Ian Otieno produced a heroic performance, leading 10-man Richards Bay to a dramatic 5-4 Carling Knockout quarter-final victory in penalties.
Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno produced a stunning man-of-the-match display to lead his ten-man Richards Bay side to a hard-fought 5-4 victory in a tense penalty shootout against Cape Town City during the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, on Saturday.
Otieno’s brilliance between the posts was the defining factor as he pulled off critical saves during both regulation time and the shootout propelling Richards Bay into the semi-finals of the competition.
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Richards Bay came into the quarter-finals buoyed by their narrow 1-0 first-round win over Sekhukhune United secured by Lwandile Mabuya’s solitary goal.
However, their form had waned, with a recent goalless draw against Stellenbosch and a 2-0 league defeat to Sekhukhune United just days before.
Despite this slump Otieno's leadership and grit helped them hold firm against a determined Cape Town City side.
The game began with both sides sizing each other upshowing an intense but cautious approach under Durban's sweltering temperatures.
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19:00 - 02.11.2024
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Midway through the first half players took a water break with Cape Town City returning reenergized.
Just moments after the restart City’s Haashim Domingo almost broke the deadlock with a powerful strike that narrowly missed the target.
Richards Bay's defense held strong with Otieno anchoring the backline to keep the score level by halftime.
The second half saw Cape Town City taking control early pushing forward with wave after wave of attack.
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18:30 - 02.11.2024
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Richards Bay's head coach Brandon Truter made a tactical shift at the hour mar bringing on experienced forward Justice Figuareido to add firepower up front.
However, City remained relentless with striker Bongi Ntuli’s persistent runs and skillful play threatening Richards Bay's goal.
One of the most nerve-wracking moments came when Cape Town’s striker Iqraam Rayners capitalized on a breakaway and found himself one-on-one with Otieno.
Calm and composed Otieno positioned himself perfectly making a crucial save to deny the South Africans what seemed a certain goal.
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14:00 - 02.11.2024
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With the game goalless after regular time the teams went into extra time, where Richards Bay emerged with newfound energy. They tested Cape Town City’s defense and forced goalkeeper Darren Keet into action for the first time.
City countered in the final minutes with Fortune Makaringe’s close-range effort narrowly sailing over Otieno’s crossbar.
Tension mounted as the game approached the end of extra time, and Richards Bay's Langelihle Mhlongo was shown a red card reducing them to ten men.
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13:45 - 02.11.2024
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Despite the numerical disadvantage Otieno’s leadership was evident as he rallied his teammates, pushing them into a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
The Kenyan shot-stopper was the standout performer keeping Richards Bay’s hopes alive allowing his side to stay level in the shootout.
In the sudden death phase Moses Mthembu stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a dramatic 5-4 win for Richards Bay.
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