Celtic defeat AmaZulu

by BackPageTXT

Saturday May 11, 2019. 17:27

Bloemfontein Celtic overcame AmaZulu FC 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday.

As a result, Phunya Sele Sele and Usuthu finished the season on eighth and 11th spots respectively on the league table.

Usuthu got off to a flying start as they broke the deadlock just four minutes into the encounter through Sphesihle Maduna.

The promising midfielder scored his first ever Absa Premiership goal to make it 1-0 to AmaZulu after being set-up by Somila Ntsundwana.

Phunya Sele Sele then pushed for the equalizing goal and they had a chance to level matters in the 19th minute.

However, AmaZulu shot-stopper Siyabonga Mbatha produced a great save to deny Teboho Khasipe as the visitors survived a scare.

The hosts kept pushing and they managed to level matters through Maloisane Ramasimong.

The 29-year-old player scored with a header to make it 1-1 for Celtic heading into the half-time break.

Charlie Hlalele, who had replaced injured Maduna in the first-half, had a chance to restore AmaZulu's lead after the restart.

However, the former Orlando Pirates reserve team player failed to test Sipho Chaine in Celtic goal seven minutes into the second-half.

Siyabonga Nomvethe, who is set to retire at the end of the current season, was introduced in the 73rd minute as AmaZulu looked to grab a late winning goal.

However, it was the hosts' late substitute Rendani Ndou, who netted in the 80th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic.

The former Polokwane City striker was not done as he sealed Celtic's 3-1 win over AmaZulu in stoppage time after Nomvethe's effort had hit crossbar.

Celtic (1) 3 (Ramasimong 43', Ndou 80, 90'+2)
AmaZulu (1) 1 (Maduna 4')

Celtic: Chaine, Ramasimong (Mofokeng 89'), Sam, Mahashe, Baloyi, Maema, Mabasa (Ndou 70'), Mashikinya, Dlamini (Mangweni 79'), Tani, Khasiphe.
AmaZulu: Mbatha, M.Gumede, Madela (P.Gumede 46'), Van Heerden, T.Gumede, Vilakazi, Darpoh, Ncube, Maduna (Hlalele 34'), Ntsundwana (Nomvethe 73'), Ntuli.