Johannesburg - A late fightback was not enough to ease the relegation woes of Jomo Cosmos as the Premiership bottom feeders went down 2-1 against Bloemfontein Celtic in Phutaditjhaba on Wednesday night.
Celtic struck twice in the first half to put the hosts on the back foot, and while Cosmos hit back in the second period, the visitors held on to close the gap on the top half of the league table.
Ruzaigh Gamildien netted from a free kick in the ninth minute to give the visitors the early advantage, and though Cosmos created a couple of chances, Celtic dominated the opening stanza.
Thokozani Mshengu connected with a cross from Kgotso Moleko in the 36th minute and found the back of the net to stretch the gap.
Cosmos, however, came out hard after the break, with Celtic goalkeeper Thabani Stemmer keeping out a shot from Siyabonga Nhlapo five minutes into the second half.
Eight minutes later the home side narrowed the deficit when Alton Meiring latched on to a pass from Bernard Loke to put Cosmos on the scoresheet.
The hosts pushed hard in the last half hour, with Taongo Dondo firing wide to the left and Taongo Dondo missing to the right.
Stars nonetheless held on to bag their ninth win of the season, handing Cosmos their 12th defeat.