Celtic downed by Maritzburg
MARITZBURG United narrowly defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash played at the Dr Molemela Stadium last night.
Phunya Sele Sele and The Team of Choice locked horns in their first game of the 2016-17 league season in Bloemfontein.
The first opportunity of the game went to Celtic winger Lyle Lakay from a free-kick a minute into the game, but he placed his attempt over the crossbar.
At the other side, Maritzburg defender Brian Onyango forced Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb into an easy save in the 15th minute.
Maritzburg’s Evans Rusike became the first player to be booked on the night 10 minutes later for unsporting behaviour.
Eight minutes before the half-time break, a great pass was played to former SuperSport United winger Lakay and his attempt missed the target.
It took only five minutes in the second-half for Lentjies to put the Team of Choice into the lead with a right-footed shot making it 1-0 to Maritzburg.
New Celtic attacker Sydney Masana then forced Maritzburg into a good save on the hour-mark as the home side pressed for the equalizing goal.
The home side decided to introduce promising forward Dumisani Zuma for Sibusiso Mxoyana with 15 minutes left on the clock. Nevertheless, Maritzburg stood firm at the back in the dying minutes of the league encounter and ultimately they won 1-0.
● SuperSport United were left to rue their missed chances when they lost 1-0 to 10-man Platinum Stars in the Absa Premiership at Royal Bafokeng Stadium last night.
Robert Ng’ambi’s second half header made all the difference as Dikwena claimed their first three points in the new 2016-17 season.
In the 20th minute, United were awarded a set piece which was delivered by Thuso Phala down the left flank, only for Clayton Daniels to see his free header going inches wide.
It was only in the 62nd minute that captain Vuyo Mere’s stunning free kick picked out Ng’ambi in the box, with his fine header breaking the deadlock by beating goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, 1-0 to Stars.
In what was their final chance to get a point in injury time, debutant Reneilwe Letsholonyane blasted his shot over the woodwork, allowing the hosts to claim the full three points. — Backpagetxt