Manzini rescues Celtic

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Lerato Manzini of Bleomfontein Celtic broke the deadlok late in the match against Chippa United to seal three points for his side.

Johannesburg – Lerato Manzini scored a late second-half goal, handing Bloemfontein Celtic a 1-0 victory over bottom feeders Chippa United in their Absa Premiership clash at Botshabelo Stadium on Saturday.

With the game headed for a dull stalemate following a largely uneventful 75 minutes of play, Manzini allowed the home fans to breathe a sigh of relief, as they watched their side claim their eight victory of the season, keeping them within distant reach of the leading sides in the title race.

After a dismal first half, with neither outfit fashioning any promising chances, Chippa tested Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb when Masibusane Zongo got a tame shot away at goal, but it was easily saved.

Zongo came close again shortly after from a set piece whipped into the area that fell to the unmarked player, but he could not steer his curled effort on target, and watched his attempt go harmlessly past the uprights.

Celtic replied with a period of sustained pressure but lacked the clinical touches needed deep inside United's area.

That was until the 77th minute, when Manzini finally broke the deadlock, putting the ball past goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda, after Manzini controlled a flimsy shot directed goalwards, turned on the ball and slotted home.

Chippa continued to struggle in their maiden top-flight campaign, going down in their 10th defeat in 20 league matches as they remained rooted to the bottom of the table. – Sapa