Chippa United wrapped up their 2015 in style when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Friday night.
Although Celtic netted first through Vuyani Ntanga, second-half strikes by William Twala and Buyani Sali ensured the three points remained in Port Elizabeth for United.
It would be the visitors, Celtic, who threatened first through Frank Mhango who delivered a pin-point free kick on the edge of the box but his attempt hit the woodwork in the sixth minute.
The Chilli Boys, nearly opened the scoring when striker Aristide Bance’s shot went wide following a crucial deflection from a Celtic defender.
Celtic broke the deadlock when Ntanga netted in the 14th minute as he received a loose ball and his shot deflected off defender Erick Chipeta to beat goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi as the visitors took the lead.
Three minutes into the second period, Bance spurned another wonderful opportunity for Chippa following Mark Mayambela’s brilliant play, beating two defenders but the Burkina Faso international could not hit the target.
It took midfielder Twala’s brilliance to find an equaliser for the hosts in the 50th minute when he made a great run cutting inside from the left flank, before unleashing a well-struck shot from outside the area to beat Celtic keeper Patrick Tignymeb on his near post.
In the 70th minute, Sali made it two for United after receiving an accurate pass from substitute Joseph Molangoane who replaced Mayambela, to beat Tignyemb once again.
Five minutes later, Celtic piled pressure on United and nearly equalised, but Musa Nyatama’s attempt was deflected for a corner and with nine minutes to go, Vusi Shikweni’s touch towards goal lacked power and went wide.
United held on to their lead, and the victory meant Chippa move to seventh place with 16 points and Celtic remain in sixth spot with 16 points both from 12 matches respectively. – Africa News Agency (ANA)
