Cape Town City move into second on log table

by Brian Lee

Sunday Jan 28, 2018. 17:56

Cape Town City moved into second place on the Absa Premiership log after playing to a 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in a league match at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result moves City onto 31 points in second place on the log, four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who drew 0-0 with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Celtic had to come from behind to earn a share of the spoils which sees them remain in ninth place with 25 points, only behind Chippa United on goal difference.

City were the better side in the opening half and had the lion’s share of possession, but they struggled to create any real decent scoring chances.

Nonetheless, the visitors continued to push forward and made their pressure tell in the 40th minute when a great run and cross from Thabo Nodada saw Mbhazima Rikhotso turn the ball into his own net, 1-0.

Celtic saw a bit more of the ball in the final five minutes of the half, but went into the tunnel trailing by a goal at the break.

The start of the second half saw the home team continue from where they left off at the end of the first half, but they struggled to fashion any decent scoring chances in open play.

Celtic, though, did find an equaliser in the 75th minute after a terrific free-kick from Ndumiso Mabena found the back of the net 1-1.

Neither team could find a winner in the final 15 minutes as the match ended all-square.

City are next in action next weekend against Sundowns on Friday, February 2 while Celtic will play SuperSport United the next day.

Bloemfontein Celtic (0) 1 (Mabena 75’)

Cape Town City (1) 1 (Rikhotso 40’ og)

Teams

Celtic: Tignyemb, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Motshegwa, Lubisi, Mabena, Gordinho, Baloyi, Hotto, Shikweni (Nyundu 54’), Letsoalo (Masuku 80’).

Cape Town City: Stephens, Mkhize, Johannes, Fielies, Seedat, Putsche, Nodada, Modise (Moseamedi 90’), Lakay, Patosi (Masina 66’), Nana (Ralani 80’).