Stars edge Celtic in Free State derby

by Bertin Basson

Saturday Oct 06, 2018. 18:02

Free State Stars beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at Goble Park on Saturday afternoon, to claim Free State bragging right in the Woza Nazo clash.

Harris Tchilimbou and Sinethemba Jantjie found the back of the net for the hosts to move Ea Lla Koto up to seventh place on the log standings. Siwelele, who's winless run now extends to three matches, remain in fourth.

The first shot in anger fell to the visitors in the 19th minute. A poor clearance from Stars' shot-stopper Badra Ali Sangaré fell at Tshegofatso Mabasa's feet, but the forward failed to make him pay as he miscued his attempt wide of goal.

Stars made full use of the slice of good fortune as Tchilimbou headed home Nyiko Mobbie's pin-point cross in the 38th minute to hand the hosts a narrow lead at the break.

Celtic looked a better team following the interval and went close to pulling level before the hour mark, but both Menzi Masuku and Lorenzo Gordinho failed to convert from close range.

Again, Celtic were made to rue their missed chances as Jantjie curled home past Patrick Tignyemb to double Ea Lla Koto's lead in the 58th minute and duly seal all three points for the hosts.

Free State Stars (1) 2 (Tchilimbou 38' Jantjie 58')

Bloemfontein Celtic (0) 0

Free State Stars: Sangare, Maruping (Masina 88'), Tema, Mobbie, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Makhaula, Tchilimbou, Jantjie (Jappie 67'), Dlamini, Bhengu (Moseamedi 80').

Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb, Sam, Pfumbidzai, De Jongh, Mabena, Mashikinya, Masuku (Motshegwa 71'), Gordinho, Dlamini (Letsoalo 62'), Phalane, Mabasa (Potsane 50').