Sundowns too strong for Celtic

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns handed Bloemfontein Celtic their first home defeat in the Absa Premiership this season, with Anthony Laffor scoring the only goal of the game at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Sundowns dominated the entire match, and they should have scored more goals. However, Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb made brilliant saves on the night.

The Brazilians played very well in the opening stages of the game, and they should have taken the lea on four minutes but Tignyemb did well to parry awayWayne Arendse's header.

Zimbabwean midfielder Khama Billiat found his way into the Phunya Sele Sele box in the 14th minute, and forced Tignyemb into another fine save.

Celtic were under pressure, and new Sundowns striker Leonardo Castro unleashed a powerful long-range effort three minute before the half-hour mark which sailed over the goalposts. The half ended 0-0.

Fifteen minutes into the second-half, Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane introduced Anthony Laffor for Themba Zwane, who had a quiet night.

The Liberian international made an immediate impact as he hit the back of the net in the 70th minute after receiving a good pass from his captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

Celtic nearly responded straight away but Ugandan international goalkeeper Denis Onyango parried Celtic midfielder Keegan Buchanan's effort.

The Brazilians managed to hold onto their slender lead, and emerged 1-0 winners on the night.