Celtic look to end winless run

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 26, 2018. 10:37

Bloemfontein Celtic will look to end their winless run in the Absa Premiership when they host Cape Town City at Dr Molemela Stadium on 28 January 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic saw their winless sequence extended to three matches on January 24 when they were held 0-0 in a rescheduled game away to AmaZulu. Since a 2-1 win over Golden Arrows at the start of the year, the Bloemfontein side has claimed just one point from a possible nine, conceding five goals and scoring zero.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 14 points from eight home matches this season. Their last three games as hosts have brought them a haul of seven points from a possible nine.

City claimed a fourth win from their last five league matches when they won 1-0 at home to local rivals Ajax Cape Town on January 20. All of their last five games have ended with a 1-0 score line, though their match at Free State Stars on January 13 ended in defeat.

The Citizens have claimed 14 points from nine away matches this season, though their last match on the road was the above-mentioned loss to Ea Lla Koto. Four of their nine wins this season have come from away matches.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and City have met in three league matches since the start of last season. The teams’ record is dead-even: one win each, one draw and a goal apiece. Celtic claimed all three points when the sides met earlier this season, with Kabelo Mahlasela’s goal earning them a 1-0 win in Cape Town back in October.

Celtic’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with AmaZulu on January 24: Tignyemb, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Lubisi, Nyundu (Mabena 66’), Gordinho, Baloyi, Hotto, Shikweni (Motshegwa 75’), Letsoalo (Masuku 81’).

City’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Ajax on January 20: Stephens, Mkhize, Johannes, Fielies, Dove, Nodada, Putsche (Lakay 61'), Modise, Martin (Mngonyama 81'), Patosi, Obinna (Akosah-Bempah 74').