BLOEMFONTEIN – Polokwane City defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.
Things were tight in the opening stages of the encounter, with neither team prepared to risk anything.
Gradually, though, with both sides determined to take all three points, chances were created – at both ends.
City’s Puleng Tlolane hammered a volley goalwards, but his attempt was easily dealt with by Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb.
The Bloemfontein side hit back with a chance of their own, but Deon Hotto’s effort was wide of the target.
It was City who took the lead in the 30th minute when, after a neat build-up involving a quite a few players, Thabiso Semenya was in the clear to steer in the goal.
Celtic had an opportunity to level the score, but Ronald Pfumbidzai’s shot was hit straight at Tignyemb.
City, however, were in inspired form and they took a 2-0 lead with a goal from Marvin Sikhosana in the 39th minute.
The visitors from Polokwane could have added to their tally shortly afterwards, but Dominic Chungwa headed wide.
Celtic had no choice but to come out fighting in the second half, including two early substitutions in a bid to get back into it. Jacky Motshegwa replaced Tshegofatso Mabaso and Victor Letsoalo came in for Menzi Masuku as the home side went in search of goals.
They piled on the pressure, but Tlou Molekwane skied an attempt and Lantshene Phalane fired wide.
Celtic made one final change by bringing on striker Sipho Jembula in place of Molekwane, but try as they might, they couldn’t break down the City defence.
In the end, on the balance of play and especially with the commitment and industry of City, the result was a fair reflection of the action.