Baroka, Celtic clash ends level

BAROKA FC and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a 2-2 draw in an Absa Premiership fixture played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Home side Baroka got off to a promising start and had a good scoring opportunity in the opening stages, but Rodwell Chinyengetere’s effort sailed wide of the target.

Celtic were happy to absorb the early pressure and look for chances on the break. It was on one such occasion, in the 26th minute, that the Bloemfontein side took a 1-0 lead when Neo Maema created the opening for Tshegofatso Mabaso to score.

Baroka responded well, but were unable to capitalise when Orbotse Mongae and Jemodre Dickens failed to make the most of opportunities that came their way.

The Polokwane-based club also made an early substitution, with Tshidiso Patjie coming on to replace Chinyengetere.

Baroka’s pressure eventually paid off when they got the equalising goal after Celtic’s Mpusana Tani put the ball into his own net in the 35th minute. And, just five minutes later, it was 2-1 to the home side, with Mduduzi Mdatsane providing the required finish.

Celtic made a change at the start of the second half, with Victor Letsoalo replacing Tani.

The Free Staters then knuckled down, working hard to get to get back into the game and they were rewarded in the 72nd minute. It was Mabaso who netted to register his second goal of the match as Celtic drew level at 2-2.