A Willard Katsande penalty 20 minutes from time ensured Kaizer Chiefs kept up their long-standing dominance over Bloemfontein Celtic with a 1-0 win at Free State Stadium yesterday.
The win advanced the champions to within five points of the top of the Premier Soccer League leaders.
A stronger second-half showing from the away side ensured they have now gone 12 league matches without defeat against Celtic‚ who last beat them in an Absa Premiership game in 2009.
A clumsy challenge from rookie defender Aphiwe Lubisi on debutant William Thwala‚ who had just come on for his first Amakhosi appearance since signing from Chippa United last week‚ handed Chiefs their break in a match without too many chances and far too much midfield attrition.
Katsande tucked away the 71st minute spot kick. “It was very tight; I’m delighted with the result but Celtic did not make it easier for us‚” said Chiefs coach Steve Komphela. “It’s not easy to come here and win a match of football.”
Thwala also announced his arrival with a rasping shot that thundered off the post just a minute before he won the penalty for his new team.
Celtic tried to use pace and a high pressing game but struggled on a slippery surface after heavy morning rain.
Chiefs kept a disciplined shape and were better with their efforts. Reneilwe Letsholonyane, in the 58th minute, forced a fine save from Patrick Tignyemb with a pile driver from long range.
The first chance of the game fell for Chiefs with a free kick that Siphiwe Tshabalala curled wide in the ninth minute. Some two minutes later George Maluleka hammered a shot from outside the penalty area into the side netting.
Celtic should have been awarded a penalty in the 12th minute when Mulomowandau Mathoho stood on the ankle of Frank Mhango but the referee Thando Ndzandzeka penalised Mhango for touching the ball as he fell‚ much to the bewilderment and then bemusement of the feisty Celtic striker.
Riyaad Pieterse’s 20th minute save from a quickly taken free kick showed an alertness that was absent in his defenders as Celtic caught them unawares and put Lerato Lamola free on goal. But before he could shoot‚ Pieterse had leapt off his line to smother the ball.
Chiefs’ Camaldine Abraw‚ embroiled in a contract dispute between Chiefs and Celtic at the start of the season‚ had a chance to fire at goal 10 minutes before half time but hesitated before crossing for Tshabalala‚ whose attempt at a header was thwarted by Tignyemb.
“We didn’t hurt the opponent‚” admitted Celtic’s new coach Serame Letsoaka‚ who has yet to win a game since taking over.
Celtic have now gone nine matches without a win.
Amakhosi see off Celtic
The win advanced the champions to within five points of the top of the Premier Soccer League leaders.
A stronger second-half showing from the away side ensured they have now gone 12 league matches without defeat against Celtic‚ who last beat them in an Absa Premiership game in 2009.
A clumsy challenge from rookie defender Aphiwe Lubisi on debutant William Thwala‚ who had just come on for his first Amakhosi appearance since signing from Chippa United last week‚ handed Chiefs their break in a match without too many chances and far too much midfield attrition.
Katsande tucked away the 71st minute spot kick. “It was very tight; I’m delighted with the result but Celtic did not make it easier for us‚” said Chiefs coach Steve Komphela. “It’s not easy to come here and win a match of football.”
Thwala also announced his arrival with a rasping shot that thundered off the post just a minute before he won the penalty for his new team.
Celtic tried to use pace and a high pressing game but struggled on a slippery surface after heavy morning rain.
Chiefs kept a disciplined shape and were better with their efforts. Reneilwe Letsholonyane, in the 58th minute, forced a fine save from Patrick Tignyemb with a pile driver from long range.
The first chance of the game fell for Chiefs with a free kick that Siphiwe Tshabalala curled wide in the ninth minute. Some two minutes later George Maluleka hammered a shot from outside the penalty area into the side netting.
Celtic should have been awarded a penalty in the 12th minute when Mulomowandau Mathoho stood on the ankle of Frank Mhango but the referee Thando Ndzandzeka penalised Mhango for touching the ball as he fell‚ much to the bewilderment and then bemusement of the feisty Celtic striker.
Riyaad Pieterse’s 20th minute save from a quickly taken free kick showed an alertness that was absent in his defenders as Celtic caught them unawares and put Lerato Lamola free on goal. But before he could shoot‚ Pieterse had leapt off his line to smother the ball.
Chiefs’ Camaldine Abraw‚ embroiled in a contract dispute between Chiefs and Celtic at the start of the season‚ had a chance to fire at goal 10 minutes before half time but hesitated before crossing for Tshabalala‚ whose attempt at a header was thwarted by Tignyemb.
“We didn’t hurt the opponent‚” admitted Celtic’s new coach Serame Letsoaka‚ who has yet to win a game since taking over.
Celtic have now gone nine matches without a win.
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