Bloemfontein Celtic fought back to secure a late 2-1 victory over 10-man Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership on Saturday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The win saw Siwelele move up to third on the Absa Premiership standings level on 20 points with the Clever Boys, although Celtic have played one game less than Wits.
The home side came out with an intent of grabbing an early lead as Haashim Domingo came to finding the net in the opening exchanges of the game.
Darren Keet came to his sides rescue in the 17th minute when he made an outstanding save to deny Kabelo Dlamini’s direct free kick.
Wits grew in confidence as the game reached the half hour mark, but Keet did well to keep the scoreline goalless after he was forced into making a great save to deny Victor Letsoalo in a one-on-one situation.
Simon Murrary tried his luck from distance after spottinf Patrick Tignyemb off his line, but the Celtic keep did well to recover and made the save.
The two side’s could not be separated as the game went into the half time break locked at 0-0.
However, Wits eventually broke the deadlock after 56th minute when Domingo fired a superb free kick into the net with Tignyemb well beaten.
Celtic were then awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after Robyn Johannes fouled Tshegofatso Mabasa in the area. The Wits defender subsequently received a red card for the foul.
Substitute Mabasa stepped up and made no mistake draw his side level from the spot-kick.
The visitors then completed their comeback in the 84th minute when Mabasa completed his brace to calmly slot the ball past Keet.
Wits pressed forward in the closing stages of the game as they went in search of an equalising goal, but Celtic held on to their lead until the final whistle to claim all three points at the Bidvest Stadium.
This is how both teams lined up:
Bidvest Wits Starting XI: Keet, Mere, Johannes, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Alexander, Monare, Domingo, Hotto, Dzvukamanja, Murray.
Subs: Mhlongo, Weidlich, Ritchie, Claasen, Motupa, Pelembe, Machupu.
Bloemfontein Celtic Starting XI: Tignyemb, Letlabika, Pfumbizai, Rikhotso, Mabena, Mashikinya, Masuku, Gordinho, Dlamini, Phalane, Letsoalo.
Subs: Dambe, Sam, Mabasa, Maema, Mangweni, Baloyi, De Jongh.
