Bloemfontein Celtic advanced to the Nedbank Cup quarter-final after beating Richards Bay 3-1 at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The home side got off to a great start and nearly broke the deadlock after 10 minutes when Ali Abondo unleashed a venomous strike from outside the area but saw his shot sail wide of the target.

At the other end, Richard Bay produced an effort of their own after Khayelihle Shozi tried his luck from distance, but saw his effort guided inches wide of the target.

However, Celtic took the lead five minutes before the half time interval when Mpho Maruping found the back of the net with his strike to make it 1-0.

Richards Bay came out with more intent in the second half and nearly equalised in the 56th minute when Gregory Roelf powerful strike hit the wrong side of the woodwork.

Celtic then doubled their lead after substitute Neo Maema produced a stunning strike to beat Richards Bay shot-stopper Xolani Ngcobo.

Kabelo Dlamini all but sealed the win in the 90th minute when he rounded off the scoring for the home side to make it 3-0.

However, the visitors managed to score a consolation goal in stoppage time courtesy of a strike from Thabiso Nkoana as the match ended 3-1 in favour of Celtic.

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix