Staff Reporter.
Bloemfontein Celtic came from two goals down to hold Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-2 draw in a 2020-21 DStv Premiership match at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
The result leaves Chiefs in ninth and Celtic in 11th spot on the league standings respectively.
Chiefs got off to the perfect start and hit the front just three minutes into the tie. Happy Mashiane has impressed for the Amakhosi this season and showcased his quality with a terrific free-kick goal. The midfielder thumped a left-footed shot past Jackson Mabokgwane and into the top corner of the net from an acute angle.
Brimming with confidence following the early goal, Chiefs doubled their lead in the 13th minute. Lebogang Manyama played a dangerous cross into the area and into the path of Erick Mathoho who got in front of Mabokgwane to head home from close range.
Siwelele finally found their rhythm and halved the deficit in the 22nd minute. Ndumiso Mabena combined well with Neo Maema with the latter showing great composure to finish with aplomb past Daniel Akpeyi, after bursting through the middle of Chiefs’ defensive line.
Celtic threatened to level matters before the halftime break as Victor Letsoalo hit the target with a powerful effort but Akpeyi made a good save.
Chiefs were forced into a double change at the break with both Akpeyi and Mathoho forced from the field with injury.
Bruce Bvuma took up the Nigerian shot-stoppers place in goal and could do little to stop Celtic from making it 2-2 in the 54th minute. The hosts were awarded a penalty after Siyabonga Ngezana bundled Tebogo Potsane over inside the area and Letsoalo made no mistake with a cool finish from the spot.
In the end, the two teams settled for a point apiece as both their top eight hopes took a further blow.
Meanwhile Chippa United claimed a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership match at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The victory took the Chilli Boys to the 14th spot on the league standings as they climbed out of the relegation zone.
While Stellies remained 13th on the standings after registering their second successive defeat in the league.
Elsewhere AmaZulu leapfrogged Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the DStv Premiership log after edging Golden Arrows 1-0 in the KwaZulu-Natal derby on Saturday afternoon.
Other Results:
TS Galaxy 1 – 0 Cape Town City.
Supersport United 1-1 Baroka FC.
Black Leopards 2-1 TTM.
Sunday, 2 May
Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns – 15:00.