Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic at the Lucas Moripe Stadium and stretched their winless run to five games in the Absa Premiership.

The match got off to a good tempo in the opening exchanges of the match with either side showing their attacking intent early on.

The Brazilians saw more of the possession on the ball in the opening 20 minutes, although they struggled to break down the Celtic defence.

Celtic came close to opening the scoring in the 30th minute but Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene produced two fine saves in quick succession to deny Kabelo Mahlasela and Lantshene Phalane.

The Brazilians had two chances of their own in eight minutes later when Castro was denied by Patrick Tignyemb from six-yards out before Themba Zwane had his effort cleared by Ndengane.

The home side were dealt a major blow on the stroke of halftime when Tiyani Mabunda was forced off the field after a collision with Phalane and had to be replaced by Modise.

Ndengane came to Celtic’s rescue in the 64th minute when the defender cleared Ricardo Nascimento’s shot off the line to keep the scoreline goaless.

Pitso Mosimane’s side came close to taking the lead when striker Khama Billiat going close to scoring when he struck the crossbar.

Sundowns pressed forward in search of the winning goal in the closing stages with Modise going the closest when his free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Tignyemb in the 88th minute.

However, Celtic managed to hold out until the final whistle to snatch a valuable point, while Sundowns stretched their winless run to five games in the Absa Premiership.

Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix