Celtic pin high-flying Downs
by Sports Reporters
2016-03-17 05:00:00.0
WHO would have predicted that Mamelodi Sundowns would lose their home clash 1-3 against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night?
They came into this Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium having won all their last five matches in all competitions. Celtic, on the other hand, had lost all their last five matches.
In fact, Sundowns were the only remaining team without having lost a league match in their own backyard all season.
Current form, however, counted for nothing as Phunya Sele Sele eased their relegation worries with a shock win over the log leaders.
The visitors scored as early as the fifth minute, when from a quick break, Dumisani Zuma delivered a good pass to Lyle Lakay, who got behind Thabo Nthethe.
And, with Denis Onyango advancing towards him, Lakay scored from a lovely chip to hand Celtic a 1-0 lead.
Celtic were just as good defensively as they frustrated the home side, but almost messed things up when they conceded a penalty in the 27th minute.
Khama Billiat paced through into the box and Wandisile Letlabika was adjudged to have fouled him, with referee Victor Gomes pointing to the spot.
Patrick Tignyemb, in goal for Celtic, ensured they held on to their 1-0 lead, when he saved Teko Modise’s spot kick.
Sundowns were made to pay for missing the penalty and with five minutes before the break, Celtic went 2-0 up.
And the man who added his name to the score sheet is a familiar face at Sundowns — Fiston Abdul Razak — the Burundian on loan at Celtic from Downs.
If Sundowns entertained any thoughts of a comeback in the second half, Celtic midfielder Lantshene Phalane quickly reminded them that this was not going to be their day, when he put his side 3-0 up during the 50th minute.
Sundowns were not going down without a fight, though, and they pulled one back in the 67th minute through Wayne Arendse, who headed in from a cross by Hlompho Kekana.
Pitso Mosimane’s boys tried everything to force their way back into the match, but Celtic continued to frustrate them.
Also on Wednesday night, at Bidvest Stadium, Wits flexed their impressive player muscle to outplay Orlando Pirates 1-0 and close the gap with Sundowns to four points.
With Downs suffering the shock result of the season, James Keene’s 29th-minute winner brought second-placed Wits back within striking distance of the PSL leaders.
Wet weather could not keep a capacity crowd from filling the little stadium for what was billed as a cracker of a match.
And this was quality, at times physical, at other times fast-paced, with clashes galore in the wet.
It says something for the team Gavin Hunt and his management have assembled at Wits that they could edge out Orlando Pirates with a robust, organised and measured display.
Asavela Mbekile celebrates his goal with teammates during the Absa Premiership match between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium two weeks ago. Picture: LEFTY SHIVAMBU/GALLO IMAGES
WHO would have predicted that Mamelodi Sundowns would lose their home clash 1-3 against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night?
They came into this Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium having won all their last five matches in all competitions. Celtic, on the other hand, had lost all their last five matches.
In fact, Sundowns were the only remaining team without having lost a league match in their own backyard all season.
Current form, however, counted for nothing as Phunya Sele Sele eased their relegation worries with a shock win over the log leaders.
The visitors scored as early as the fifth minute, when from a quick break, Dumisani Zuma delivered a good pass to Lyle Lakay, who got behind Thabo Nthethe.
And, with Denis Onyango advancing towards him, Lakay scored from a lovely chip to hand Celtic a 1-0 lead.
Celtic were just as good defensively as they frustrated the home side, but almost messed things up when they conceded a penalty in the 27th minute.
Khama Billiat paced through into the box and Wandisile Letlabika was adjudged to have fouled him, with referee Victor Gomes pointing to the spot.
Patrick Tignyemb, in goal for Celtic, ensured they held on to their 1-0 lead, when he saved Teko Modise’s spot kick.
Sundowns were made to pay for missing the penalty and with five minutes before the break, Celtic went 2-0 up.
And the man who added his name to the score sheet is a familiar face at Sundowns — Fiston Abdul Razak — the Burundian on loan at Celtic from Downs.
If Sundowns entertained any thoughts of a comeback in the second half, Celtic midfielder Lantshene Phalane quickly reminded them that this was not going to be their day, when he put his side 3-0 up during the 50th minute.
Sundowns were not going down without a fight, though, and they pulled one back in the 67th minute through Wayne Arendse, who headed in from a cross by Hlompho Kekana.
Pitso Mosimane’s boys tried everything to force their way back into the match, but Celtic continued to frustrate them.
Also on Wednesday night, at Bidvest Stadium, Wits flexed their impressive player muscle to outplay Orlando Pirates 1-0 and close the gap with Sundowns to four points.
With Downs suffering the shock result of the season, James Keene’s 29th-minute winner brought second-placed Wits back within striking distance of the PSL leaders.
Wet weather could not keep a capacity crowd from filling the little stadium for what was billed as a cracker of a match.
And this was quality, at times physical, at other times fast-paced, with clashes galore in the wet.
It says something for the team Gavin Hunt and his management have assembled at Wits that they could edge out Orlando Pirates with a robust, organised and measured display.
