Celtic Edge Ailing Arrows

15 February 2012

ABSA Premiership

Teams: Bloem Celtic 3-2 Golden Arrows

Date: 15 February

Referee: Robert Sithole

Venue: Botshabelo Stadium

Bloemfontein Celtic enjoyed a victorious return to PSL action with a 3-2 win over Golden Arrows at Botshabelo Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Celtic prevailed at their new home venue through strikes from Clifford Mulenga, Lennox Bacela and Letladi Madubanya, while ex-Orlando Pirates hitman Katlego Mashego and Musa Bilankulu netted for relegation wary Arrows.   

Phunya Sele Sele made the ideal start as Mulenga struck barely four minutes in. The Zambian, who was sent home early from the recent AFCON for ill-discipline, fired into the net following Bacela's free-kick into the area.

Fresh Arrows signing Clifford Ngobeni, hauled off just past the hour by coach Muhsin Ertugral, may feel somewhat sheepish as it was his adjudged foul on Tsietsi Mahoa that prompted the set piece.   

The visitors fought back with Elrio van Heerden, Mashego and the influential Dillon Sheppard having cracks on goal in the opening 20 minutes.

At the other end, Mulenga and Danny Venter were causing problems but their aim was erratic, although the latter's 42nd minute strike did force goalkeeper Stephan Loboue into action.

Abafana Bes'thende then struck a psychological blow on the stroke of half-time as Mashego headed home Sheppard's cross to bring the scores level.

The second half saw the immediate introduction of Philani Shange at Van Heerden's expense, with the Arrows substitute firing waywardly in the 52nd minute.

Celtic then wrestled control of the game with two goals in as many minutes. First Bacela turned home Mulenga's cross from close range on 56 minutes before Madubanya pounced from the edge of the area after being teed up by Thokozani Mshengu.

The double strike knocked the stuffing out of Ertugral's men although they scored a consolation goal in optional time, as Bilankulu headed in a Siyanda Zwane cross

Bloem Celtic: Patrick Tignyemb, Tsietsi Mahoa, Thabo Nthethe, Eric Mathoho, Luyanda Hlongwa, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Letladi Madubanya, Danny Venter (Zothwane 70'), Clifford Mulenga, Thokozani Mshengu (Mongala 62'), Lennox Bacela (Mafokeng 75').

Golden Arrows: Stephan Loboue, Mzuvukile Tom, Musa Bilankulu, Siyanda Zwane, Robyn Johannes, Elrio van Heerden (Shange 46'), Clifford Ngobeni (Manqana 63'), Thanduyise Khuboni, Dillon Sheppard, Siyabonga Nkosi (Sikhosana 71'), Katlego Mashego.

Goals: Clifford Mulenga (Celtic 4'), Katlego Mashego (Arrows 45'), Lennox Bacela (Celtic 56'), Letladi Madubanya (Celtic 58'), Musa Bilankulu (Arrows 91').