Bloemfontein Celtic came from behind to beat struggling Pirates 3-1 in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match played in front of a capacity crowd at Vodacom Park Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Pirates were leading 1-0 at the break.
The first half belonged to the Buccaneers, with strikers Benedict Vilakazi, Jory Merahe and Mulondo Sikhwivhilu causing havoc among the Celtic defence.
Pirates opened the score in the 28th minute after Vilakazi received a neat back-heel pass from fellow striker Sikhwivhilu. A few minutes later, Vilakazi almost scored his second after receiving a pass from midfielder Onikachi Onkonkwo, but his shot sailed over the crossbar
A minute before half-time, Celtic striker Patrick Malokase nearly equalised, but his shot also flew over the bar with Bucs goalkeeper Avril Phali well beaten.
In the second half, Celtic applied the pressure and Nthokozo Sikhakhane drew the home team level in the 69th minute.
Celtic’s Petrus Mahlatsi, who had replaced injured striker Lebohang Kukame in the 39th minute, put the Bloemfontein team ahead in the 84th minute. Mahlatsi scored his second a minute before the final whistle with a right footer to the frustration of the Pirates supporters and coach Milutin Sredojevec.
Chiefs sweat
In sweltering temperatures, Kaizer Chiefs beat Benoni Premier United 2-0 in a PSL match played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday. There was no score at half-time.
Both teams resorted to playing a short passing game to beat the stifling heat, and it was only Amakhosi strikers Gert Schalkwyk and Kaizer Motaung Jnr who came close to scoring in the first half.
Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp made what turned out to be an inspired double substitution in the second half. He brought on Emmanuel ”Scara” Ngobese for David Obua and Arthur Zwane for Gerald Sibeko in the 53rd minute, and it was Ngobese who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after dribbling past numerous United defenders to bury his shot.
Four minutes later, Motaung Jnr scored Chiefs’ second to the delight of the huge contingent of fans.
United coach Sonas Malope introduced striker Katleho Locke in the 67th minute. However, the Chiefs defence, comprising Patrick Mayo, Jimmy Tau and Cyril Nzama, stood firm and ensured that goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez was never troubled.
Swallows win
Moroka Swallows beat PSL log leaders Silver Stars 1-0 at the Germiston Stadium on Sunday. There was no score at half-time.
Losing against Supersport United and drawing against Black Leopards in their previous two fixtures, Swallows were desperate for a win. But they were made to work for it as Stars, the current Telkom Cup champions, equalled every attack thrown at them.
Both teams had shots cleared off the goal line in the opening half. First it was Stars’ Thuso Phala’s corner that nearly directly crossed the Swallows line in the 34th minute, but the ball was cleared by Mark Haskins. Three minutes later, Willem Jackson in the Stars defence had to clear Cecil Oerson’s strike.
But the best moment of the first half belonged to Stars midfielder Edward Williams when his pile driver was well saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia. Williams has been in stunning form since his return from Supersport United and was impressive with his tackles and accurate passing in the middle of the park.
Substitute Chaka Ngcepe stole the show in the 86th minute for Swallows when he scored the crucial goal. Ngcepe had replaced Lovers Molala and his goal came after receiving a pass from fellow substitute Mame Niang.
Stars remain on top of the PSL log. — Sapa