Celtic pegged back by Polokwane
Posted: 2 December 2018 Time: 01:49 pm
Polokwane City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 triumph over Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership
Eager to put a disappointing midweek performance aside, Celtic were hoping to claim the maximum points to close the gap on league leaders Orlando Pirates.
Polokwane, who suffered a defeat at home to Cape Town City on Wednesday were looking to get back to winning ways after a barren run of recent results.
As early as the 10th minute Salulani Phiri handed them the lead after finishing off a move metres from the box with an assist from Mohammed Anas.
City made a somewhat tactical change as Ndivhuwo Ravhuvhali replaced Simphiwe Hlongwane minutes before halftime.
In the second half, it was all to play for as Celtic needed to get back into the thick of things while City were out to hang on to their lead.
With limited amount of scoring chances created, the Rise and Shine kept a strong defensive shape while playing on the counterattack.
Celtic’s first change came five minutes from the break when Victor Letsoalo replaced Tshepo Rikhotso.
Siwelele were level under 10 minutes to fulltime when Kabelo Dlamini was on hand to convert from the edge of the box.
The joy was very much short live and City regained the lead through a right-footed finish from the centre of the box by Monde Mpambaniso a minute into added time for a crucial victory.
HOME: Bloemfontein Celtic
Coach: Steve Komphela
Formation: 4-4-2
- 30 Patrick Tignyemb
- 5 Wandisile Letlabika
- 22 Tshepo Rikhotso
51 mins - Victor Letsoalo - 26 Lorenzo Gordinho
- 0 Kabelo Dlamini
- 0 Neo Maema
- 0 Bongani Sam
- 17 Given Mashikinya
- 18 Ryan de Jongh
51 mins - Vusi Shikweni - 9 Tshegofatso Mabasa
84 mins - Tumelo Mangweni - 10 Ndumiso Mabena
AWAY: Polokwane City
Coach: Jozef Vukusic
Formation: 4-3-3
- 50 Harold Ndlovu
- 22 Sibusiso Mbonani
- 24 Simphiwe Hlongwane
33 mins - Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali - 0 Ayanda Nkili
- 12 Salulani Phiri
- 14 Edgar Manaka
- 16 Vusimusi Mngomezulu
78 mins - Monde Mpambaniso - 21 Sammy Seabi
- 30 Mpho Mvelase
- 10 Puleng Tlolane
59 mins - Sibusiso Sikhosana - 38 Mohammed Anas