Bloemfontein Celtic came from behind to book their place in the Telkom Knockout semi-final following their 2-1 victory over Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday, writes Dylan Appolis.

Dikwena came into this encounter high on confidence after claiming their first win of the season when they beat Ajax Cape Town during midweek action of the Absa Premiership.

In turn, Phunya Sele Sele secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United in the PSL encounter on Tuesday, which saw them remain in third place in the league standings.

The home side came out with intent in the opening exchanges of the match, and produced the first attempt at goal when Vuyo Mere unleashed a strike at goal, but Celtic keeper Tignyemb stood firm to deny the Dikwena captain.

Dikwena should’ve taken the lead after 12 minutes as Katlego Otladisa beat his marker on the edge of the area before blasting his effort towards goal, but Tignyemb was on hand to make the save.

However, Bonginkosi Ntuli opened the scoring for the hosts in the 30th minute after he made the most of a defensive error by Celtic before slotting the ball past Tignyemb to make it 1-0.

Ntuli should’ve doubled his side’s lead in the second half when he again capitalised on a defensive error by Celtic, but the striker was ultimately denied by Tignyemb.

The visitors then drew level in the 59th minute when Lantshene Phalane’s free kick found the back of the net, beating Visser in the process.

Phalane came close to scoring his second goal in the 75th minute, but Visser did well to keep out his strike from distance.

Brian Mwila should’ve handed his side the lead four minutes later when he latched on to a cross from Zulu, but the forward guided his effort wide of the target.

However, Celtic took the lead again a minute later as substitute Tshegofatso Mabaso slotted the ball into an empty net after being set up by Kabelo Mahlasela, to make it 2-1.

Phalane came close to adding a third later on, but the striker’s free kick could only find the side netting as Celtic held on to their 2-1 lead over Stars until the final whistle to progress to the next round of the competition.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix