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Celtic dent Chiefs’ title hopes

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Khama Billiat challenged by Lucky Baloyi and Victor Letsoalo

Kaizer Chiefs’ Absa Premiership title hopes took a knock after falling to a 3-1 defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic at the Tuks Stadium on Wednesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Ernst Middendorp named the likes of Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Willard Katsande and Bernard Parker in his starting lineup following their impressive showing in the previous game, while Leonardo Castro returned to the squad.

Celtic got off to a good start and nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Wandisile Letlabika tried to catch Daniel Akpeyi off his line with a cheeky lob, which forced the Amakhosi keeper to backpedal and tip the ball over the crossbar.

Siwelele had another chance six minutes later as Victor Letsoalo found space between the Amakhosi defender before unleashing a shot at goal, but Akpeyi did well to tip his effort over the target.

Amakhosi had a chance of their own midway through the first half when Eric Mathoho latched on to a free kick at the near post before heading his effort at goal, but Celtic shotstopper Sipho Chaine was on hand to make the save.

The Soweto giants eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Mathoho rose the highest to head the ball home from inside the box from a resulting Khama Billiat corner.

Phunya Sele Sele then equalised on the stroke of half time when Sera Motebang latched on to a low cross from Sifiso Ngobeni before slotting the ball home from close range.

The home side came out guns blazing in the second half as they managed to double the lead after Sera found the net from close range to make it 2-1.

Chiefs should have levelled matters in the 61st minute when Reeve Frosler picked out Billiat in the box, but the Zimbabwean forward struggled to hit the target with his attempt.

Both sides opted to bring on fresh legs as Celtic introduced Harris Tchilimbou for goalscorer Sera, while Chiefs brought on Dumisani Zuma for Parker.

Celtic continued to pressurise Chiefs and extended their lead even further after 74 minutes of play, when Sepana Letsoalo made an impressive run before firing the ball home for Celtics’ third.

The home side made two substitutions in the space of three minutes when Andile Fikizolo and Mabena was taken off and replaced by Siphelele Luthuli and Tebogo Potsane, respectively.

Phunya Sele Sele continued to press forward in the closing stages and nearly grabbed a fourth goal, but Akpeyi did well to deny Tchilimbou’s effort.

However, Celtic managed to hold on to their lead over Chiefs until the final whistle to walk away with the win and all three points.