Ajax Cape Town fell to their 12th defeat of the campaign after going down 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The home side got off to a good start and nearly opened the scoring after five minutes when Dean Hotto made his way into the area with time to shoot, but Brandon Peterson stood tall at the near post to deny the winger.

The Urban Warriors had a chance of their own four minutes later after Rodrick Kabwe whipped a cross into the area, but Patrick Tignyemb came off his line to deny Yannick Zakri, who attempted to tap in the inviting cross.

Zakri had another chance to put his side ahead in the 20th minute, but the winger failed to direct his header towards the target.

Despite Celtic dominating proceedings after half an hour, the home side were finding it hard to break down the Ajax defence.

Petersen came to his side’s rescue four minutes later when he produced a good save to keep out Ndumiso Mabena’s effort from close range.

The match went into the half time interval with the scoreline at 0-0.

Celtic came out with more intent in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Ronald Pfumbidzai found the back of the net after some poor defending by the Urban Warriors.

The visitors should’ve levelled matters four minutes later, but Morne Nel was unable to guide his volley towards goal as his effort sailed wide of the target.

Mosa Lebusa nearly equalised in the 65th minute when he produced a header at goal, but the midfielder was unable to find the target with his effort.

At the other end, Siwelele were content to park the bus and hold on to their lead in the closing stages of the game.

Mario Booysen should’ve levelled matters two minutes from time, but the defender steered his header high and wide of the target.

However, Celtic held on to their one-goal lead over Ajax until the final whistle to claim all three points on home soil.

In other Absa Premiership results:

Polokwane City 1-2 Golden Arrows

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix