Celtic out to break win drought

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Mar 02, 2018. 04:52

Bloemfontein Celtic will look to break their win drought in the Absa Premiership when they host Ajax Cape Town at Dr Molemela Stadium on 4 March 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic extended their winless streak in the league to six matches when they held Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 in Soweto on February 24. The sequence of results has brought the Bloemfontein side just three points from the last 18 up for grabs.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 15 points from nine home matches this season. Their last game as hosts was a 1-1 draw against Cape Town City in late January.

Ajax claimed their sixth league win of the season when they defeated SuperSport United 2-0 at home on February 28. The Cape side has managed three wins in their last seven matches to rise out of the relegation zone.

The Urban Warriors have claimed just three points from 11 away matches. Their last game on the road was a 1-0 loss at Golden Arrows and they have yet to claim a three-pointer in away encounters this season.

In head-to-head stats, Ajax and Celtic have met in 31 league matches since 1999/2000. The Urban Warriors have claimed 14 wins compared to 10 for Phunya Sele Sele, while seven matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side has claimed nine wins and suffered three defeats from their 15 turns as hosts in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season in Cape Town, Ajax claimed a 2-1 home victory thanks to goals from Bantu Mzwakali and Tashreeq Morris. It was the Urban Warriors’ third successive league win over Phunya Sele Sele.

Celtic’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Chiefs on February 24: Tignyemb, Molekwane, Rikhotso, Gordinho, Pfumbidzai, Motshegwa (Dlamini 46’), Phalane, Baloyi, Hotto (Mashikinya 90+3’), Mabena, Letsoalo (Maruping 85’).

Ajax’s line-up from their 2-0 win over SuperSport on February 28: Petersen, Zwane (Kammies 80’), Pietersen, Booysen, Lebusa, Kabwe, Malepe, Nel, Losper, Zakri (Ndoro 64’), Lakay (Mdabuka 69’).