Cape Town - Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns notched up their second Absa Premiership victory of the season when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals by Mosa Lebusa and Themba Zwane, from the penalty spot, gave the visitors a two-goal cushion before Sera Motebang converted from the spot to reduce the deficit late in the game.
After a cagey opening from both sides, Sundowns created the first opening in the 14th minute when, after some neat build-up play, Gastón Sirino crossed for Tebogo Langerman who shot just wide of the post.
Masandawana however did not have to wait have to long to open the scoring as just a minute later Celtic failed to deal with a corner and allowed Hlompho Kekana to have strike at goal that hit the post but Lebusa was able to slot home the rebound.
The champions were controlling proceedings but could not add to their lead before the half-time interval.
After the break, it do not take long for the Tshwane team to assert their dominance once more and they were awarded a penalty five minutes into the second stanza after Kekana was fouled in the box.
Zwane made no mistake from the spot as he sent Celtic goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto the wrong way.
Phunya Sele Sele struggled to get into the encounter from the start and every time the hosts threatened they were snuffed out by a resolute Sundowns defence.
The home team did receive a lifeline though as they were awarded a penalty of their own in the 86th minute after Andile Jali was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box wand Motebang made no mistake.
The goal proved to be just a consolation as Sundowns safely negotiated the remaining minutes to secure their second win in four matches.
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