Celtic fight back for draw against Free State

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Apr 14, 2018. 20:45

Bloemfontein Celtic fought back from a goal down to earn a share of the spoils as their Absa Premiership match against Free State Stars at Goble Park on Saturday.

In the wake of this stalemate through Goodman Dlamini’s goal, Luc Eymael’s side now occupy the fourth spot with 39 points from 27 matches so far.

The derby started on a low as both sides looked for an early goal, but the Siwelele defence stood firm.

There were no clear cut chances towards the half-hour mark as the hosts were under pressure to find an opening goal.

In fact both sides were poor in the final third and the half ended 0-0.

Ea Lla Koto netted their first goal in 49th minute as Goodman Dlamini put the home side ahead when he finished from close range with a neat pass into the net, 1-0.

Celtic found the equalising goal six minutes later courtesy of clinical strike from Letsoala, 1-1.

On the hour mark Jacky Motshegwa attempted a left-footed low drive, but it went wide of the left upright.

Towards the 90th minute Veselin Jelusic's men pushed for a winning goal, but Stars stood firm at the back as they protected their goalkeeper.

Resulting from this draw, Siwelele bagged four points from their neighbours and are now placed at the seventh spot with 34 points.

Free State Stars: (0) 1 (Dlamini 49’)
Bloemfontein Celtic: (0) 1 (Letsoalo 54’)

Free State Stars: Sangare, Masehe, Mobbie, Mahamutsa, Keita, Phungwayo, Vilakazi, Tchilimbou, Maphakisa, Dlamini, Mthembu

Celtic: Tignyemb, Letsoalo, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Lubisi, Dlamini, Motshegwa, Baloyi, 7. Hotto, Phalane, Mabena.