Aces get the better of Celtic, Cosmos the heroes in Potch thriller

GOALS by Lebogang Manyama and Eddie Ngalo saw Mpumalanga Black Aces defeat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in their Absa Premiership encounter at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein yesterday afternoon.

Although Siwelele played good football in the first five minutes and created a good chance for Musa Nyatama in the penalty area, Aces’ Ngalo did well to block the shot.

Muhsin Ertugral’s Aces tried to respond, and were awarded a freekick when Manyama was fouled on the edge of the box. Lehlohonolo Nonyane’s effort missed the target.

After 20 minutes, Clinton Larsen’s Celtic tried to slow down the pace of the match, but while they penetrated the opposition lines, they didn’t trouble goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters and his defence.

After a number of attempts to break Celtic’s defence, the Aces finally cracked it when Manyama scored in the 31st minute after Mpho Matsi capitalised on a defensive error by Alfred Ndengane. Celtic came close towards the end of the first half, but Vuyani Ntanga’s curler went fractionally wide of goal, and AmaZayoni held on to their 1-0 advantage.

Three minutes into the second stanza, Aces doubled their lead when unmarked Ngalo scored after a free-kick from Tshidiso Tukane.

In Potchefstroom yesterday, Jomos Cosmos recorded their second league win of the season when they beat Chippa United 4-3 in a thrilling match at Olen Park. Cosmos scored all their goals in the first half, while Chippa managed one in the first stanza and two in the second.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night Reneilwe Letsholonyane struck deep into injury time to see Kaizer Chiefs salvage a 1-1 draw away to Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium.

The Amakhosi looked in danger being defeated, but “Yeye” drilled home a low shot in the seventh minute of referee’s optional time to see Steve Komphela avoid a defeat away to his former side.

The result sees Chiefs move up to third on the PSL log, with 18 points from 11 matches.

Maritzburg remain in last place, though only on goal difference now, having drawn level on five points with University of Pretoria.

Wits consolidated their top-ofthespot after they beat Golden Arrows 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Bidvest Stadium. – ANA