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Cape Town - Atusaye Nyondo's second half penalty ensured Bloemfontein Celtic earned a point during a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in their Premiership opener at the Free State Stadium.]
Playing at home in front of their passionate supporters on Sunday, the new-look Bloemfontein Celtic side managed by Veselin Jelušic looked to take the game to their more illustrious opponents, Kazier Chiefs.
Chiefs boss Steve Komphela fielded an attack-minded line up with Pule Ekstein, Keagan Buchanan, Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala in support of the lone striker, Gustavo Paez.
But the lack of steel to support defensive midfielder Willard Katsande was exposed with Siwelele getting their foot onto the ball early on.
Defender Alfred Ndengane had a glorious early chance to put his side ahead after a loose ball fell to his feet from 18-yards out, but the towering defender skied his effort over Brilliant Khuzwayo's post.
Amakhosi made the home side pay for their lack of cutting edge as two former players combined to take the lead in the 37th minute.
Buchanan with a pinpoint corner delivery for Eric 'Tower' Mathoho to powerfully head home beyond goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb.
Celtic pushed hard for the equaliser after the break as their two forward's Roggert Nyundu and Ndumiso Mabena both tested Khuzwayo in quick succession.
However, their eventual equaliser came through a mistake by defender Lorenzo Gordinho, as he was adjudged to handle the ball inside the area.
Nyondo stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick to deny the Glamour Boys all three points for their season opener.
