Coach Steve Komphela came back to haunt his former side as his Golden Arrows side defeated Bloemfontein Celtic to secure a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Siwelele made three alterations from their defeat at the hands of Bidvest Wits before the international break as Thato Lingwati, Bongani Sam and Shadrack Kobedi were drafted in the line-up, while Arrows brought in Musa Bilankulu, Wayde Jooste and Sanele Mathenjwa preferred in the starting team.
The sides were sizing each other up in the opening exchanges with most of the play in midfield but Abafana Bes’thende had the first opportunity to break the deadlock after 24 minutes with a free-kick from Danny Venter that sailed inches wide of the upright.
Sibusiso Sibeko had the best chance of the first stanza for Steve Komphela’s charges in the 33rd minute after going clear on goal, but instead of using the space and time by picking his spot, he shot straight at Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb.
As the hosts struggled in the first half, as the change was made 11 minutes into the second stanza after Tebogo Potsane went down injured and he was replaced by Menzi Masuku, while Komphela threw on Knox Mutizwa for Sibeko.
The change paid off as Mutizwa broke the deadlock on 68 minutes with a neat finish from close range after some good work by fellow second-half substitute Lerato Lamola, who replaced.
Arrows weren’t ahead for too long as Sam levelled matters for Phunya Sele ten minutes before time, heading home from close range after Arrows goalkeeper Maximilian Mbaeva failed to hold onto a fierce strike from Ndumiso Mabena.
The visitors however secured the win in the 90th minute as Mutizwa completed his brace by curling a free-kick around the wall and into the far corner to silence the home crowd.
Here’s how they line up:
Subs: 32. Gumede, 7. Matloga, 14. Dube, 18. Mutizwa, 23. Dube, 34. Sabelo, 41. Lamola.
Result: Bloemfontein Celtic 1-2 Golden Arrows
Date: 30 March 2019
Venue: Dr Molemela Stadium
Source: Soccer Laduma
