Nodada scores City opener, but Celtic hit back

Ndumiso Mabena grabbed the equaliser for Bloemfontein Celtic against Cape Town City on Sunday. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Ndumiso Mabena grabbed the equaliser for Bloemfontein Celtic against Cape Town City on Sunday. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Published Jan 28, 2018

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BLOEMFONTEIN – Bloemfontein Celtic and Cape Town City played to a 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership clash at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday.

The point was enough to take City into second position on the log standings, four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

City dominated the opening 45 minutes rather easily – and because of that, the chances came.

Lyle Lakay had a shot well-saved by Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb, and Nana Akosah-Bempah blasted an effort over the bar.

Soon after, Tignyemb was called into action again when he had to be alert to tip Ayanda Patosi’s threatening cross-cum-shot over the bar, and Akosah-Bempah had a glorious opportunity from right in front, but chose to attempt an acrobatic shot when a header would have been far more effective.

With Celtic struggling against the smooth build-ups and solid defensive organisation of the Cape side, their first real opportunity only accrued on the half-hour mark.

Left back Ronald Pfumbidzai was played through into the penalty area, but City goalkeeper Sage Stephens saved bravely at the feet of the defender.

There was one other opportunity for the Bloem side after an intricate free kick routine, but Deon Hotto’s pile-driver nestled into the side-netting.

But with City continuing to dominate proceedings, it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 40th minute.

Industrious midfielder Thabo Nodada made an intelligent run from the deep and, when he turned in the cross, unfortunate Celtic defender Tshepo Rikhotso put the ball into his own net.

The second half, though, was a much more even affair.

City were content to hang on to their advantage, while Celtic tried to get back on level terms.

Rikhotso had a chance to make amends for his first-half own goal when free at the far-post, but he headed wide of goal.

But the Bloemfontein team got their reward in the 75th minute when Ndumiso Mabena produced a gem of a free kick to equalise matters at 1-1.

The teams then ran down the clock, with both seemingly happy with the point earned. 

African News Agency (ANA)

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