Bloemfontein Celtic, with only 10 men, moved into sixth position on the log when they beat Silver Stars 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd in a cracking Premier Soccer League game played at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were leading 1-0 at half-time.
Celtic's coach, Benjamin Reed, standing in for Tony de Nobrega who resigned a fortnight ago, ended a losing steak against Silver Stars which began with their promotion into the premier league way back in the 2003/04 season.
The initial breakthrough came from Ugandan defender Timothy Batabire when he headed home a corner kick taken by Moses Spandeel in the 24th minute giving Stars goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands no chance.
Stars strikers Hareoipha Marumo and Michael Khaile had their chances on several occasions to score but Celtic goalkeeper Postnett Omony was equal to the task and managed to clear their attempts.
In search of and equaliser, Stars coach Owen da Gama, made several changes to reinforce his attack and it paid off.
Da Gama replaced Solomon Mathe with Koketso Mmotong deep into the second half followed by striker Mpho Malika who replaced Marumo.
It came as no surprise when Stars midfielder December Ngobeni equalised in the 82nd minute from a cross pass by Dingane Masanobo. The ball slipped in between Omony's legs before rolling into the empty net.
Earlier, in the 61st minute, referee Lwandile Mfike gave Celtic defender Gary Goldstone a red card for using abusive language towards assistant referee Godfrey Selopetsa.
Lesotho international, Peter Mphongoa wasted two clear chances to put Celtic ahead by shooting sky high with only goalkeeper Sandilands to beat.
Reed was forced to make a change in the 79th minute when Mphongoa was injured and replaced by rising-star striker Petros Mahlatsi.
Just when everyone assumed that the two teams would hold on and share the spoils, Celtic's attacking midfielder Spandeel, had other ideas. He scored the winning goal in extra time, with a low shot which gave home supporters something to celebrate as their team achieved a maximum three points.
Celtic moved into sixth place on the log with 42 points and three games remaining while Silver Stars remained in third spot with 45 points with only two games remaining in the season. - Sapa