Sundowns close in on Chiefs after downing Celtic

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns moved to within four points of Absa Premiership log leaders Kaizer Chiefs after securing a 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Loftus Versfeld stadium on Wednesday.

Sibusiso Vilakazi gave the hosts the lead before Ndumiso Mabena levelled matters for Celtic in the first half however, it was the home side's captain Hlompho Kekana who scored the decisive goal, a stunning free kick, in the second half.

Masandawana came out of the blocks quickly with Vilakazi squandering two good chances to open the scoring.

Vilakazi though made amends in the 16th minute as he got the first strike of the game when he tapped home at the far post after Celtic goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane parried Themba Zwane's initial effort.

The visitors were not fussed at going behind and found an equaliser on the half-hour mark when Mabena beat keeper Denis Onyango after put being put through by Tebogo Potsane.

Mabokgwane made sure the teams went into the halftime break with the scores level after brilliantly denying Zwane's low shot.

Sundowns went back in front after Kekana curled in a beautiful free kick into the top corner that left Mabokgwane stranded.

The hosts had a few more efforts to extend their advantage but Gaston Sirino and Zwane failed to find the back of the net but it did not matter as Sundowns held onto the goal advantage until the end.

The Brazilians now move to 41 points after 20 matches, four behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs with both teams now with 10 games of the season remaining.