Sundowns, Celtic renew cup rivalry

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 19, 2018. 12:49

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic will renew their cup rivalry when they meet in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout, set for the Lucas Moripe Stadium on 20 October 2018, kick-off at 18h00.

Sundowns come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to title rivals Bidvest Wits in their last league outing before the international break. The Tshwane side has drawn three of their last four matches and will be looking for a return to winning form.

The Brazilians are three-time champions in the League Cup, with their most recent triumph arriving in 2015. Last year they suffered a surprise early exit from the competition, losing 1-0 to Chippa United in the last 16 round.

Celtic, after their excellent start to the campaign, have struggled of late. Their last result before the international break was a 2-0 loss away to derby rivals Free State Stars, bringing their winless run to three matches.

Phunya Sele Sele famously won their only Telkom Knockout title in 2012, while last year they came close to a second triumph in the competition. The Bloemfontein side beat SuperSport United, Platinum Stars and Polokwane City to reach the final, but they were then edged 1-0 by Bidvest Wits.

Sundowns and Celtic have clashed in 12 previous cup games. The Brazilians have claimed eight outright wins compared to three (plus one by penalties) for Phunya Sele Sele. The teams’ most recent cup game was in the quarterfinals of the 2015 MTN8, with the Bloemfontein side advancing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Overall, the teams have met in 73 matches across all competitions since 1985. Sundowns have 38 wins compared to 16 for Celtic, while 19 matches have been drawn. The most recent encounter between the teams was an Absa Premiership clash earlier this month which ended in a goalless stalemate.