Mamelodi Sundowns got their Absa Premiership campaign back on track with a 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians made numerous changes from their thumping win over AS Otoho d’Oyo in the CAF Champions League, with Anele Ngcongca and new signing Sammy Seabi, getting starts. Meanwhile, Tebogo Potsane replaced the suspended Lantshene Phalane for Siwelele.
Phunya Sele Sele started the brighter of the two sides but was behind in the 17th minute after Hlompho Kekana unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the box that ricocheted to the bottom post but Mosa Lebusa was at hand to slot the opener for Sundowns with a low shot from close range.
Masandawana were playing deep in their own half after going ahead but Kekana almost made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute with another long-range strike that dipped just over the bar, although a better option could have been a through ball to Sibusiso Vilakazi who was free in the centre of the box.
Lehlohonolo Seema’s charges were pressurising the visitors in search of the equaliser in the latter stages of the first stanza but they were nearly punished by the Brazilians on the stroke of halftime after Themba Zwane went clear on goal but his low shot was saved by Mpoto.
Siwelele endured a tough start to the second stanza, as Tshepo Rikhotso brought down Kekana inside the box two minutes after the break and Masandawana were awarded a penalty as a result, with Zwane sending Mpoto the wrong way.
Sundowns were managing the game well after getting a cushion goal, which saw Pitso Mosimane make a defensive change with 21 minutes remaining, as Jali replaced Vilakazi.
Zwane almost got the third goal for the visitors in the 73rd minute, with a curling shot inside the box towards the top corner that was parried away by Mpoto.
Celtic were offered a lifeline with five minutes remaining after Maloisane Ramasimong’s shot inside the box came off Jali’s arm and they were awarded a penalty, which was well taken by Sera Motebang to reduce the deficit.
The encounter was stretching in the closing stages, but Sundowns were able to hold on to claim three points on the night.
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Source – SoccerLaduma
