It was the second Soweto Vs Free State dual in the PSL for the weekend just as Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars played to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg on Saturday evening, The Amakhosi away in Bloemfontein to Celtic managed to come from behind to a gain a hard point at the Seisa Ramabodu stadium as they and Celtic played to a 1-1 draw.

Celtic took the lead on the stroke of half time when Moses Spandeel converted an acrimoniously awarded penalty, which went the way of Celtic after the referee felt that Cyril Nzama had brought down November in the penalty area.

It looked a poor decision and for the second Sunday in a row a Chiefs game was surrounded in controversy regarding a penalty. As replay’s showed that the incident took place outside the penalty area and did not warrant the awarding of a penalty, Chiefs though fought on and found an equalizer through Kaizer Motaung Junior with nineteen minutes to play.

In the end it was an entertaining game played in front of a capacity crowd, who appreciated the good nature of the match, in truth though it was a game that Chiefs should have won as they did manage to have the upper hand through the ninety minutes.

Straight for goal

It took Chiefs seven minutes to get a sniff at goal and almost got onto the score board from their first corner of the match, which was swung in from the left and Siphiwe Tshabalala managed to touch it on to the far post. Where Cyril Nzama came sliding in and connected with the ball but he was off target, two minutes later and Nzama worked his way down the right and got a measured cross onto the chest of Tinashe Nengomasha who hit the ball up scissor kicked the ball just over Walters goal.

Sibeko off target

In the 29th minute Siphiwe Tshabalala was brought down he quickly lifted himself up and played a quick pass to David Obua, who took a few steps and from around 25 yards out hit a powerful shot which Shu-Aib Walters managed to block.

Just past the half hour mark and David Mathebula, who had once again been on top of his game, came marauding up the right and cut in along the by line into the Celtic penalty area and beat the challenge of Mabuya before rolling the ball out to Gerald Sibeko. He then opted for the first time shot and dragged the ball wide from a good goal scoring position.

Four minutes to half time and Sibeko would be presented with another crack at goal, as Cyril Nzama sent in a cross from the right, Nhalpho cleared the ball only as far Sibkeo. Again he was unable to find the target sending his effort wide of the mark.

Chiefs pay penalty

On the stroke of half time came the games most controversial moment, and Chiefs were justified in feeling let down by the referee when he awarded Celtic a rather dubious penalty. November Moseothatha seemed to have got the better of Cyril Nzama and as he passed him, Nzama proceeded to knock him off his feet, and the Celtic player went tumbling over and the referee then duly pointed to the spot.

Television replays did confirm that the Chiefs players had reason to contest the decision as the foul took place outside the penalty area. Moses Spandeel had no doubt in his mind as to what his task was and sent Itumeleng Khune the wrong way, and converted the penalty to give Celtic the lead.

Close all round

Mark Amofah set the tone for what was a very high tempo second half which saw both teams open each other up. The Ghanaian was sent clear on goal in the 50th minute but he was unable to take advantage of the space open to him and Mokete Tsotetsi made up enough ground to stop him and clear the ball.

Four minutes after that Celtic had another opportunity to extend the lead, this time Lebohang Kukame in ample space on the right blasted the ball into the side netting. Onismor Bhasera found room on the left a minute before the one hour point of the game, and got the ball to Sibeko inside the Celtic goal mouth for the third time though Sibeko was unable to find the mark and again pulled his shot wide.

In the game

With second half being as open ended as it was, there was always the possibility of Chiefs finding a way back, it would mean though that they would have to beat Celtic keeper Shu-Aib Walters who was looking an unbeatable figure in the Celtic goal.

On the one moment in the 71st minute when he was not a his best The Amakhosi punished him, Thuso Phala curled in a ball from the right which Gary Goldstone let go. Shaun Bartlett attacked the ball and let it run on, all of this confused Walters, who only reacted once the ball had passed him, tried diving backwards for it. By that time it had gone beyond him to the far post where Kaizer Motaung Junior was lurking and slid in on the ball to knock it out and find a much needed equalizer for Chiefs.

Match Details:

Bloemfontein Celtic: 30. Shu-Aib Walters, 4.Tumelo Nhlapo, 32. Didier Mbendje,

21. Cyrille Mubiala, 28. Gary Goldstone, 5. Kamohelo Mabuya, 8. Grant Smit,

11. Moses Spandeel, 24. Lebohang Kukane, 29. Motseothata November, 20. Mark Amofah

Substitutions:

Substitutes not used: 31. Posnet Omony, 17. Patrick Malokase, 7. Siphesihle Ngobese,

3. Keamogetse Wolff, 12. James Madidlani

Cautions: Yellow Cards, 5. Kamohelo Mabuya (hacking David Mathebula down from behind) 36 min, 4. Tumelo Nhalpho (tackle from behind on Kaizer Junior) 72 min

Coach: Khabo Zondo

Kaizer Chiefs: 32. Itumeleng Khune, 3. Onsimor Bhasera, 4. Cyril Nzama,

6. Fabian McCarthy, 29. Moketi Tsotetsi, 8. Tinashe Nengomasha, 27. Gerald Sibeko,

13. David Obua, 14. Siphiwe Tshabalala, 17. Shaun Bartlett

Substitutions:

Substitutes not used: 30. Emille Baron, 2. Jimmy Tau, 22. Mandla Masango,

33. Ditheko Mototo

Cautions: Yellow Cards, 17. Shaun Bartlett (studs up on Mbendje) 37 min, 4. Cyril Nzama (dissent) 44 min

Coach: Muhsin Ertugral


Assistant Coach: Fani Madida


Goalkeeper Coach: Rainer Dinkelacker

Match Officials:


Referee: Victor Hlungwani


Assistant 1: Lazarus Matela


Assistant 2: Geronimo Piedt


Match Commissioner: Adeel Carelse