Celtic score an easy win over Arrows

Published Jan 10, 2005

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Bloemfontein Celtic were in prolific form on Sunday as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against Durban-based Golden Arrows in a thrilling Castle Premier League encounter played at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.

The win saw Phunya Sele Sele, who are due to unwrap a R4-million sponsor this week, claiming the fifth spot on the league standings.

The Free State giants raided the opponents goals from the onset, creating scoring chances.

As the game progressed Arrows settled down and they also conjured up some magic of their own, pressurising the hosts in search of a goal. But the visitors were caught on a counter-attack by Celtic's towering striker Collins Chabalala, outpacing two defenders. Chabalala, who had difficulty controlling the ball, beat Arrows' goal minder Davies Phiri with a powerful shot in the 19th minutes.

With the hosts spurred on by a brilliant goal, Chabalala was unlucky not to increase the lead to 2-0 when his header rebounded off the crossbar in the 30th minute.

Later on the goal scorer set up Fees Moloi, who ballooned his shot over the bar with the keeper out of position.

They went to break with Celtic leading 1-0 and leaving the Durban side with a tough assignment to level the score in the second stanza.

Mlungisi Ngubane's charges looked determined in the second stanza as they created numerous chances. But striker Mabhudi Kanyeza could not find the target with a shrewd strike that hit the upright with Celtic keeper Simon Gopane badly positioned.

In an effort to change the course of the game Arrows made three substitutions but the move failed to achieve its aim as the Celtic defence remained rock solid.

Celtic's striker Jorry Merahe took the steam out of the visitors when he scored their second goal in 73rd minutes, converting Chabalala's pass following a super move initiated by Kleinbooi Taaibos. - Sapa

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