Posted in News on Aug 16, 2015.
Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Celtic came 1-0 up in the first half, thanks to a goal from Helder Pelembe, while Bernard Parker equalised in the second half.
Siphelele Mthembu got his first start of the season ahead of fellow striker David Zulu, who started on the bench.
The Ugandan winger Sula Matovu was on the bench for the first time this season after having received his work permit.
Amakhosi started the game well, creating a few good opportunities. The first already came in the opening minutes with George Lebese going one on one with Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb, who made a great save. The through ball to the Chiefs winger was provided by Bernard Parker.
Siphiwe Tshabalala delivered a powerful shot at goal from just inside the box, but the Celtic goalkeeper again made a fine save, diving to his right.
Chiefs dominated the opening stages of the match with Tsepo Masilela going up and down the left wing, while Tshabalala did well on the other flank.
The home side, however, was not shy to attack as well whenever having the opportunity to do so. It resulted in a few chances for Celtic, with Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune being alert.
Parker got a chance in the 33rd minute, but his shot at goal flew straight into the hands of the Celtic goalie.
A minute later it was another shot that hit the back of the net. Sadly, it was the home side that scored, thanks to Helder Pelembe’s screamer to which Khune had no answer, 1-0 for Celtic.
It was a bit against the run of play, but that can happen. Chiefs, however, kept going forward and creating goal scoring opportunities.
Mthembu was grabbed by his arm in the Celtic box by defender Bevan Fransman and referee Robert Smith correctly decided to point to the penalty spot. Fransman was lucky not to receive his second yellow for the action, getting his marching orders. Bernard Parker took the penalty, but he failed to find the target with the ball flying over the crossbar.
The first half ended in a 1-0 advantage for the home side.
Chiefs came out of the dressing full of purpose, taking control of the game. It resulted in an excellent chance for Reneilwe Letsholonyane after a great cross from Siboniso Gaxa. The Amakhosi midfielder, however, failed to hit the target with his header.
Soon thereafter, Gaxa was replaced by Kgotso Moleko in the 57th minute.
Parker had obviously watched how Pelembe scored in the first half, as the Chiefs striker hit the ball from about the same distance in the 63th minute. His ferocious left-footed shot struck the back of the net, leaving the Celtic goalkeeper absolutely no chance.
The game kept going up and down, without both teams getting too many chances.
Chiefs coach Steve Komphela gave Matovu his debut in the 83rd minute, coming on for Lebese, who had a fine first half, but was more quiet in the second half.
The 1-1 result means that a goalless draw or a win for Amakhosi in the return leg will mean that the MTN8 final will be reached.
The second leg of the MTN8 semifinal will be at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 20:15).
Amakhosi’s next game will be against Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership fixture at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 22 August (kick-off at 20:15).
Bloemfontein Celtic (1) 1 (Pelembe 34’)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Parker 63’)
Kaizer Chiefs:
Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb; Rikhotso, Bilankulu, Fransman, Mogapi; Duba, Ndengane, Phalane (Buchanan 30’), Nyatama (Zuma 74’); Pelembe (Morena 63’), Lamola
