Started: Chippa United 1-2 Bloemfontein Celtic
Date: 18 May 2021
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium
Bloemfontein Celtic claimed their first win away from home this season and moved above Kaizer Chiefs with a come-from-behind victory over Chippa United on Tuesday evening.
Chippa technical director Vladislav Heric made one change to his side, bringing in Maloisane Ramasimong for Augustine Kwem while Celtic boss John Maduka made two alterations, with Harris Tchilimbou and Sifiso Ngobeni coming into the side.
The Chilli Boys took the lead through a fantastic strike from Mduduzi Sibeko after Kurt Lentjies teed the ball him up perfectly to slice the ball on the half-volley away from Celtic keeper Jackson Mabokgwane and into the right corner.
Maduka's side were creating the chances but just not capitalising. Five minutes before the interval Ndumiso Mabena delivered an excellent ball from the right-hand side into the box for an unmarked Tchilimbou, whose effort on the stretch was straight at Chippa goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
Sandile Mthethwa then made a hash of a headed clearance and the ball fell to Mabena, who struck a fierce left volley just wide of the left upright.
Mabena then came to life again when he cleverly dummied, allowing the ball to run through his legs for an unmarked Lucky Baloyi at the back post whose powerful effort was unfortunately straight at Watenga, who held on.
Phunya Sele Sele were pushing and pushing but still not able to find a way through as next Mbhazima Rikhotso fired narrowly over the bar from range.
Finally, Maduka's side capitalised when Tchilimbou won the ball back in the box and teed up Neo Maema, who curled a brilliant finish into the top right corner.
Soon after, the turnaround was complete as the visitors came from behind to grab the lead with their second goal in quick succession. The free-kick was curled in from the right-hand side and after a bit of pinball in the Chippa box, the ball fell to Mabena, who fired the ball past Watenga for the lead.
The Free State outfit held on to claim victory and left Chippa two points shy of escaping the relegation play-off spot.
Chippa: 30. Watenga, 32. Mobbie, 47. Nsabiyumva, 10. Mdlinzo, 18. Mthethwa, 4. Hanaumb, 5. Lentjies, 35. Sibeko, 8. Maloisane, 9. Eva Nga, 28. Lebitso.
Subs: 16. Mtshali, 13. Mokhele, 17. Damons, 23. Nomandela, 42. Manyisa, 2. Konqobe, 44. Nhlapo, 38. Msane, 15. Kwem.
