Ndumiso Mabena’s solitary strike gave Bloemfontein Celtic a 1-0 victory against Platinum Stars on Sunday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The home side started the brighter of the two teams and came closest to taking the lead in the 20th minute when Mabena’s scorching effort was tipped over by goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela.

It was one-way traffic in the first stanza and Lucky Baloyi should have given his side the lead in the 26th minute when he latched on to Deon Hotto’s cutback, but the midfielder’s fierce effort missed the goal by inches.

Dikwena struggled to impose themselves on Phunya Sele Sele and were fortunate to head into the half-time break with the scores deadlocked at 0-0.

The visitors signalled their intent to score as they withdrew Ayanda Gcaba for Ryan De Jongh in the second half.

Celtic eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when an enterprising one-two between Hotto and Mabena saw the latter slot home his fifth goal of the season.

Despite both sides being presented with further opportunities, neither side was able to add to their tallies as Celtic ran out 1-0 victors.

Starting XIs

Celtic XI: 30. Tignyemb, 3. Pfumbidzai, 22. Rikhotso, 27. Ndengane, 25. Gordinho, 8. Phalane, 4. Dlamini, 35. L Baloyi, 7. Hotto, 10. Mabena, 24. Maema.

Stars XI: 31. Mzimela, 25. Mthethwa, 44. Gcaba, 5. Sithole, 41. Mekoa, 6. C Baloyi, 2. Mere, 20. Mpeta, 45. Norodien, 10. Phiri, 22. Ng’ambi.

Photo: Frikkie Kaap/Backpagepix