Kaizer Chiefs extended their winless run in the Absa Premiership to five games after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Celtic came into this clash off the back of a 2-1 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 24 April.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi are winless in their last four league encounter and played out to a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium on 23 April.

The last time these two sides met, both teams were forced to shared the spoils after playing to a 2-2 draw.

The home side showed their intent early on when Mbhazima Rikhotso made his way down the field to pick out Kabelo Dlamini, who was unable to guide his strike on target.

Menzi Masuku had a good chance to hand Celtic the lead in the 10th minute after latching on to a Bongani Sam cross, but he could only direct his header wide of goal.

However, Celtic eventually broke the deadlock after 23 minutes when his free-kick beat Bruce Bvuma at the near post to find the back of the net.

The visitors were finding it hard to create chances in the final third, while Celtic saw more possession in the first half as the game went into the half time break.

Ernst Middendorp opted to make a double substitution after the break when he introduced Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Andriamirado Dax to replace Lorenzo Gordinho and Philani Zulu respectively.

Bernard Parker had a chance to level matters in the 68th minute when he unleashed a shot from distance after cutting inside from the right flank, but the veteran striker blazed his strike wide of the target.

Patrick Tignyemb came to his sides rescue three minutes later when made an easy save deny Dumisani Zuma’s volley at goal.

Amakhosi thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute when Wandisile Letlabika appeared to have caught Mahlasela with a high foot, but the referee waved away their appeal.

Parker had a good chance to level matters with 10 minutes left to play when he received a low cross from Ntshangase, but the striker narrowly missed the target.

Chiefs pressed forward in the closing stages of the game, but were unable to find the equalising goal as Celtic held on to their lead until the final whistle.