Sundowns left frustrated by Celtic

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns' struggle to find winning momentum continued after they settled for a 0-0 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night.

As it happened: Bloemfontein Celtic v Mamelodi Sundowns 

The Tshwane team were nearly ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock when Toni Silva latched onto a mistake by Ryan de Jongh before firing a shot against the post.

Another opening arrived for the Brazilians five minutes later when Hlompho Kekana struck a powerful effort, but Celtic keeper Patrick Tingyemb was up to the task.

Phunya Sele Sele had a great chance to score against the run of play midway through the half, but Ndumiso Mabena's shot from a tight angle was saved by Denis Onyango, who also did well to pouch Allred Ndengane's effort from the rebound.

At the other end, Sundowns came close nine minutes before the interval when Phakamani Mhlambi's free kick dipped just over the net.

Mahlambi was at it again a minute after the restart when his deflected shot nearly ended in the net.

Celtic had been struggling to create openings, but were nearly ahead in the 70th minute when Tshegofatso Mabaso fired goal wards, but Onyango pulled off a fantastic save to deny him.

Another chance followed soon after for the Free Staters, but having gone clear in on goal, Tebogo Potsane lacked composure and allowed Onyango to make the save.

Masandawana looked to have taken the lead in the 84th minute when Lebo Maboe converted a cross from Jose Meza, but the goal was disallowed - apparently due to Themba Zwane being off-sides.

With that went Downs' final chance of earning what would have only been a third victory in six league games as they remain six points off the top.