Bloemfontein Celtic eased their relegation troubles when they hammered struggling Jomo Cosmos 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday.
This was Celtic’s second win in a row following their 3-0 victory over relegation-haunted Thanda Royal Zulu last weekend.
Celtic had the upper hand in the early stages of the game, moving forward in numbers in search of the opener. Celtic striker Moses Spandeel nearly grabbed the lead in the ninth minute when his shot was blocked by Cosmos defender Valery Nahayo with goalkeeper Avril Phali well beaten.
The home side continued to pile pressure on Ezenkosi and Phali had to make a stunning save three minute later to deny striker Lebogang Kukane. Spandeel was unlucky when his curling free kick went inches wide in the 18th minute after a foul on midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane by Cyrille Mubiala.
However, the Celtic defence was caught napping in the 20th minute when Letsholonyane converted Bonginkosi Macala’s telling pass to break the deadlock. Phunya-Sele-Sele striker Petrus Mahlatsi missed a golden chance to grab the equaliser on the stroke of half-time when his shot was way off target with Phali at his mercy.
Celtic never gave up and continued to pile pressure on Cosmos after the break. Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 47th minute when Mahlatsi headed home Spandeel’s pin-point cross from the left flank. Celtic caretaker coach David Modise made a tactical change when he introduced youngster Luphiwana Mayambela in the 49th minute for Kukane in a bid to unlock Cosmos, who packed their defence.
Celtic increased their score in the 58th minute through defender Thabo ”Mr Cool” Nthethe, who beat Phali with a low shot from Spandeel’s free kick. Spandeel hammered the final nail into the Cosmos coffin through a clinical finish in the 90th minute to give his side a well-deserved victory. — Sapa