Bloemfontein Celtic went back to the Free State capital with a well-deserved point after they held unbeaten Orlando Pirates 1-1 in a fast-paced Castle Premiership clash played at Ellis Park on Wednesday night.
The teams were level 1-1 at half-time.
The crowd of about 10 000 were treated to a thrilling opening half in which both sides played attractive, attacking soccer. Celtic more than deserved to share the points and the Premier Soccer League newcomers showed they are in the league to stay.
Celtic held the initiative until Pirates striker James Mothibi headed home Steve Lekoelea’s cross in the 20th minute. But no sooner had the cheering died down, than poor defence from Pirates helped Celtic draw level.
Striker Boitmelo Moleyane headed home Siyabonga’s cross to make it 1-1 three minutes later with the Bucs’ defence at sixes and sevens.
Pirates almost made it 2-1 in the 36th minute when Celtic goalkeeper Vincent Ongandzi managed to block a powerful rocket from Gift Leremi. From the rebound, Bucs’ Felix Musasa sliced his shot wide of an open goal.
Ongandzi failed to hold another stinging shot from Mothibi in the 57th minute but this time the ball bounced out of the ‘keeper’s arms and out of danger.
Pirates failed to take the initiative after the interval. It was Celtic who finished stronger and could have gone home with three points, had substitute Collins Chabalala not headed wide with four minutes remaining when he was in a good position to score from close range.
Mothibi had a couple of half chances but after scoring his side’s goal, he faded in the second half. Pirates showed they have weaknesses, especially in defence, and will need to improve if they hope to wrest the league title from arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the season. — Sapa