Bloemfontein Celtic fought back to secure a late 2-1 victory over 10-man Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership on Saturday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The win saw Siwelele move up to third on the Absa Premiership standings, level on 20 points with the Clever Boys, although Celtic have played one game less than Wits.
The home side came out with the intent of grabbing an early lead as Haashim Domingo came close to finding the net in the opening exchanges of the game.
Darren Keet came to his side’s rescue in the 17th minute when he made an outstanding save to deny Kabelo Dlamini’s direct free kick.
Wits grew in confidence as the game reached the half-hour mark, but Keet did well to keep the scoreline goalless after he was forced into making a great save to deny Victor Letsoalo in a one-on-one situation.
Simon Murray tried his luck from distance after spotting Patrick Tignyemb off his line, but the Celtic keeper did well to recover and made the save.
Wits eventually broke the deadlock after 56 minutes when Domingo fired a superb free kick into the net with Tignyemb well beaten.
Celtic were then awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after Robyn Johannes fouled Tshegofatso Mabasa in the area. The Wits defender subsequently received a red card for the infringement.
Substitute Mabasa stepped up and made no mistake to draw his side level.
The visitors then completed their comeback in the 84th minute when Mabasa completed his brace to calmly slot the ball past Keet.
Wits pressed forward in the closing stages of the game as they went in search of an equalising goal, but Celtic held on to their lead until the final whistle to claim all three points at the Bidvest Stadium.
This is how both teams lined up:
Bidvest Wits Starting XI: Keet, Mere, Johannes, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Alexander, Monare, Domingo, Hotto, Dzvukamanja, Murray.
Subs: Mhlongo, Weidlich, Ritchie, Claasen, Motupa, Pelembe, Machupu.
Bloemfontein Celtic Starting XI: Tignyemb, Letlabika, Pfumbizai, Rikhotso, Mabena, Mashikinya, Masuku, Gordinho, Dlamini, Phalane, Letsoalo.
Subs: Dambe, Sam, Mabasa, Maema, Mangweni, Baloyi, De Jongh.