Mamelodi Sundowns were forced to endure a frustrating afternoon after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians came into this encounter high on confidence after claim a 3-2 victory over Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

In contrast, Phunya Sele Sele suffered a 3-2 defeat in their last league clash last week at the hands of Free State Stars.

The last time the two sides met they could not be separated as they played out to a goalless draw earlier in the season.

The visitors got off to a good start and nearly broke the deadlock after 12 minutes, but Tebogo Potsane had his effort saved by Kennedy Mweene.

Sundowns had a chance of their own to get the breakthrough when Anthony Laffor picked out Tebogo Langerman with his cross, but the left back failed to direct his volley on target.

With 15 minutes left to play in the first half, Lebohang Maboe should have put his side ahead, but Patrick Tignyemb was on hand to deal with his effort.

Celtic were dealt a major blow just before the break when Wandisile Letlabika was forced off the field with a concussion after a collision in the area.

Mweene came to his side’s rescue early in the second half when he made a great save to deny Mabasa shot, which resulted into a corner.

Gaston Sirino had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 72nd minute when he was through on goal, but the Sundowns forward blazed his effort wide of the target.

Pitso Mosimane opted to make two changes with 15 minutes to play when he introduced Lyle Lakay and Emiliano Tade for Langerman and Sirino.

Both sides pressed forward in the closing stages of the game, but neither side were able to find the winning goal as they shared the spoils at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.