Amakhosi frustrated by Celtic

Cape Town - Bernard Parker gave Kaizer Chiefs a precious away goal as Amakhosi came from behind to draw 1-1 against Bloemfontein Celtic in the first-leg clash of their MTN8 semi-final at the Free State stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors enjoyed a better start to the match with Patrick Tignyemb being forced into an early save after a fine Siphiwe Tshabalala effort. 

Clinton Larsen's charges started gaining some momentum with some dangerous forward moves and Lerato Lamola should have grabbed the opener in the 15th minute but the attacker pushed his header wide of the mark.

Both sides were looking good on attack but the defences were looking even better with Tignyemb keeping Chiefs' strikers at bay. 

Helder Pelembe had a chance to grab the opener in the 30th minute but the Phunya Sele Sele marksman dragged his shot wide of the mark.

However, three minutes later, Pelembe stepped up to produce a blistering effort that rocketed past a helpless Itumeleng Khune to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage - and it was game on. 

Amakhosi were given a lifeline with five minutes to go in the half after Bevan Fransman brought down Siphelele Mthembu in the penalty area. Bernard Parker stepped up, but saw his effort sail over the crossbar, leaving the score at 1-0 at the half-time interval.

The Glamour Boys continued to dictate proceedings after the break but Reneilwe Letsholonyane could not convert their first chance on goal as the midfield hardman overcooked his 55th minute header. 

Ten minutes later Parker finally grabbed the visitors' opener after a sweet volleyed strike into the top corner to bring the game back to level pegging at 1-1.

Kaizer Chiefs continued to dominate into the closing exchanges and George Maluleka had an attempt go wide in the 86th minute.

Three minutes later Tshabalala had an excellent chance to clinch the match but the Amakhosi skipper pushed his header wide of goal.