AmaZulu, Celtic share the spoils in KwaMashu

Ronald Pfumbidzai of Bloemfontein Celtic challenges Augustine Ramphele of AmaZulu FC during the Absa Premiership 2017/18 match between AmaZulu FC and SuperSport United at King Zwelithini Stadium, Kwazulu Natal South Africa on 20 January 2018 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Jan 24, 2018. 21:57

Bloemfontein Celtic and AmaZulu shared the spoils in their 0-0 Absa Premiership draw at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

Coach Veselin Jelusic's men were looking to return to winning ways, but settled for a point as they sit at number nine from 18 games with 24 points.

After starting on a high and enjoying the ball possession, Usuthu could not test Patrick Tignyemb in the first 10 minutes.

Making his debut for the hosts, Camaldine Abraw came close to bagging an opener in the 19th minute when his glancing header went inches over the crossbar.

Just before the 25th minute, Ovidy Karuru protested for a penalty after television replays showed the Zimbabwean was fouled in the box, yet the cries fell on deaf ears.

Siwelele would fight back to try and grab the lead and Deon Hotto’s attempt produced a superb save from Siyabonga Mbatha a few minutes later, the goalkeeper left his line to make a stunning block on the d-line.

Despite both camps exchanging blows, there were no goals at the end of the opening half.

However, Celtic emerged from the tunnel with an improved showing and Vusi Shikweni’s powerful shot forced a save from Mbatha in the 52nd minute.

There were few opportunities in the final third towards the hour mark as both sides committed fouls in the middle of the park.

With time running out for either side, it was the host who made more entries in Celtic’s box, yet they could not find cracks in the visiting defence.

Substitute Jabulani Ncobeni took matters into his hands in the injury time but his two efforts could not yield the desired results as far as the scoreline was concerned.

Another substitute, Siyethemba Mnguni, also tried a shot at goal from the edge of the area, but also failed to beat a limping Tignyemb twice - his efforts went inches wide.

After the draw, Cavin Johnson's charges occupy the 13th spot with 19 points from 17 league games.

AmaZulu 0

Bloemfontein Celtic 0

AmaZulu: S. Mbatha, M. Gumede, Mabiliso, P. Gumede, Ouro-Akoriko, Ncube (Mnguni 71’), Morton, Ramphele (Ncobeni 62’), Nomvethe (S. Dlamini 73’), Karuru, Abraw

Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Lubisi, Nyundu (Mabena 66’), Gordinho, Baloyi, Hotto, Shikweni (Motshegwa 75’), Letsoalo (Masuku 81’)