Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways after claiming a 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday evening, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

Pitso Mosimane made a number of changes to his side that thrashed AS Otoho d’Oyo in the Caf Champions League by introducing Sammy Seabi, Anele Ngcongca and Motjeka Madisha.

The Brazilians got off to a good start while Celtic were trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.

Sundowns should have taken the lead after 15 minutes but Tebogo Langerman failed to direct his effort on target.

The visitors then took the lead after two minutes when Hlompho Kekana struck the woodwork before Mosa Lebusa slotted the ball home.

Kekana nearly doubled his side’s lead in 32nd minute but the Sundowns captain’s long-range strike flew just over the target.

The home side pressed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the first half, but were unable to penetrate the Sundowns defence.

Sundowns were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Kekana was brought down in the box. Themba Zwane stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick.

Mosimane made his first change after 68 minutes of play when he replaced Sibusiso Vilakazi with Andile Jali.

Gaston Sirino had a chance to extend his side’s lead even further in the 71st minute when he tried his luck from a tricky angle, but Mpoto did well to deny the attacker.

Mpoto came to the rescue again two minutes later when Zwane’s curling effort forced a good save out of the Celtic keeper.

Mosimane made his second change of the game when Lyle Lakay came on to replace Sirino in the 81st minute.

Celtic were then awarded a penalty of their own three minutes later when Jali was judged to have handled the ball in the area. Sera Motebang stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Zwane has a chance to extend Sundowns’ lead in stoppage time when he unleashed a thunder effort at goal, forcing Mpoto into making an acrobatic save to deny the forward.

However, Sundowns held on to their lead until the final whistle to collect all three points away from home.