Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their place at the top of the Absa Premiership after claiming a comfortable 4-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at Loftus Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Brazilians came out with intent in the opening exchanges of the game as Themba Zwane produced the first opportunity, but the midfielder’s goal-bound effort was well blocked by Celtic.
Victor Letsoalo nearly handed Celtic the lead three minutes later after he unleashed a venomous effort, but he was unlucky not to find the back of the net as his attempt hit the woodwork and out for a goal-kick.
The home side should’ve taken the lead in the 19th minute after Thokozani Sekotlong played Percy Tau through on goal before hitting the post with his thunderous effort.
Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb came to his sides rescue in the 30th minute when he produced a fine save to deny Hlompo Kekana, who tried to beat the Celtic shot-stopper from his own half.
Celtic came close to levelling matters after 37 minutes as Letsoalo nearly capitalised on a defensive error by Sundowns, but the forward failed to beat Denis Onyango in a one-on-one situation.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes as the match went into the half time interval locked at 0-0.
However, Sundowns broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Sekotlong rose highest to head home from a resulting Tau corner.
The home side then doubled their lead eight minutes later after Tiyani Mabunda found the back of the net with his strike from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.
Celtic pulled a goal back after 60 minutes when Ronald Pfumbidzai slotted home after latching on to Kabelo Mahlasela’s rebounded effort.
Sundowns extended their lead even further in the 75th minute Tau latched on to a through ball by Zwane before slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
Pitso Mosimane’s side all but sealed the victory in the closing stages of the match when Zwane rounded off the scoring as Sundowns finished the match 4-1 winners at Lotus Stadium.
In other Absa Premiership results:
Chippa United 0-1 Polokwane City
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
