Aces claim vital away win

Cape Town - Lebogang Manyama and Zamuxolo Ngalo were on the scoresheet as Mpumalanga Black Aces beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 on Sunday.

The Absa Premiership encounter was played at the newly revamped Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The home side pressed Amazayoni in the opening stages of the game looking to grab an early goal in order to unsettle them.

However, Phunya Sele Sele were unable to unlock Aces' solid defence. In the 15th minute, Judas Moseamedi's cross was too strong for his Aces teammate Collins Mbesuma.

In the 26th minute, Malawian defender Limbikani Mzava made two crucial blocks to deny Celtic midfielder Vuyani Ntanga inside the Aces box.

Amazayoni full-back Mzava then pushed forward on the half-hour mark and played a good cross for Moseamedi, who headed the ball wide.

The opening goal finally came in the 32nd minute when Aces midfielder Mpho Matsi combined with Lebogang Manyama and the latter made it 1-0 to the visitors.

Aces managed to contain Phunya Sele Sele in the remaining minutes until the match referee blew the whistle to end the first-half.

Two minutes into the second-half Celtic keeper Tignyemb parried Tshidiso Tukane's cross straight at Zamuxolo Ngalo, and the Aces midfielder made it 2-0 from close range.

Former South Africa international Thapelo Morena was afforded space to shoot on the edge of the Aces box on the hour-mark, but the winger placed his effort over the cross-bar.

In the 66th minute, Aces full-back Vincent Kobola combined with Mbesuma in the final third and the latter was well denied by Tignyemb inside the box.

Aces midfielder Mpho Matsi burst forward and played a good cross for his captain Mbesuma in the 78th minute, but ball was too strong for the bulky striker.

Utimately, Aces emerged 2-0 winners over Celtic on the day. Amazayoni moved to position three on the Absa Premiership standings following the win.