Eager to put a disappointing midweek performance aside, Celtic were hoping to claim the maximum points to close the gap on league leaders Orlando Pirates.
Polokwane City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 triumph over Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership Polokwane, who suffered a defeat at home to Cape Town City on Wednesday were looking to get back to winning ways after a barren run of recent results.
As early as the 10th minute Salulani Phiri handed them the lead after finishing off a move metres from the box with an assist from Mohammed Anas.
City made a somewhat tactical change as Ndivhuwo Ravhuvhali replaced Simphiwe Hlongwane minutes before halftime. In the second half, it was all to play for as Celtic needed to get back into the thick of things while City was out to hang on to their lead.
With a limited amount of scoring chances created, the Rise and Shine kept a strong defensive shape while playing on the counterattack.
Celtic’s first change came five minutes from the break when Victor Letsoalo replaced Tshepo Rikhotso. Siwelele were level under 10 minutes to fulltime when Kabelo Dlamini was on hand to convert from the edge of the box.
The joy was very much short live and City regained the lead through a right-footed finish from the centre of the box by Monde Mpambaniso a minute into added time for a crucial victory.
Teams:
Celtic: Tignyemb, Letlabika, Sam, Rikhotso, Mabena, Mashikinya, Maema, Gordinho, Dlamini, De Jongh, Mabasa.
Subs: Dambe, Pfumbizai, Letsoalo, Lingwati, Mangweni, Baloyi, Shikweni.
