Mamelodi Sundowns closed the gap on Absa Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs after edging Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians secured back-to-back wins in the league after cruising to a comfortable 3-0 over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium over the weekend.

Siwelele, meanwhile, are winless in their last three league games after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Highlands Park last Saturday.

The last time the sides met, Pitso Mosimane’s side came out on top after claiming a 2-1 win over Celtic on 19 August 2019.

The game got off to a good start with Sundowns nearly taking the lead in the 12th minute, but Sibusiso Vilakazi headed his effort over from close range after he was picked out by Gaston Sirino.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock three minutes later when Vilakazi found the net from close range after Themba Zwane’s effort was saved.

Celtic then levelled matters in the 29th minute after Ndumiso Mabena broke through the Sundowns defence to beat Denis Onyango with a fine finish.

Sirino had a chance to restore Sundowns’ lead three minutes later when he tried his luck from a set piece, but the Uruguayan’s effort sailed wide of goal.

Jackson Mabokgwane came to his side’s rescue in the 36th minute to make a great save to deny Zwane’s strike from a tight angle.

Neither were able to take the lead in the first half as the game went into the break locked at 1-1.

Sundowns restored their lead early in the second half when Hlompho Kekana directed his free kick last Mabokgwane to make it 2-1.

The Brazilians had a great chance to extend their lead even further in the 63rd minute but Lebohang Maboe blazed his effort over the target.

Mosimane made his first change of the game after 70 minutes of play when Maboe was replaced by Lyle Lakay.

Sundowns trio Sirino, Vilakazi and Kekana were all shown yellow cards in the 83rd minute as a result of time-wasting.

Mabena should have drew the game level a minute later but was unable to keep his effort down as it sailed over the bar.

Lakay came close to making it 3-1 in the 87th minute but curled his set piece inches wide of the woodwork.

Mabokgwane was called into action moments later when he produced a save to deny Vilakazi, who tried to lob the Celtic shotstopper.

Sundowns managed to hold on to their lead over Celtic until the final whistle to claim all three points on home soil.