Bloem Celtic come from behind to earn draw

The game was a replay of the match originally scheduled for November 30, which was abandoned due to lightning and heavy rain.

The Lions of the North started the game in positive fashion, playing the ball around nicely while looking for openings in the Celtic defence.

And it took them just 21 minutes to make the breakthrough, Franklyn Cale crossing the ball for Mothobi Mvala to head in.

The Free State side manufactured a couple of decent opportunities to level the game before half-time, but home keeper Tapuwa Kapini did well to save Lantshene Phalane’s effort on the half hour mark before making a diving save to prevent Ayanda Dlamini from netting with a free kick just before the break.

The visiting side also had the first chance after the break, but Atusaye Nyondo was denied by Kapini.

But Phunya Sele Sele continued to press for a goal and levelled the match up on 67 minutes when Mpho Maruping headed in from a Deon Hotto delivery.

Smelling victory, more chances followed for Celtic in quick succession, but neither Wandisile Letlabika or Nyondo could make their efforts count.

Kapini made another save on 76 minutes to deny Dumisani Zuma before Highlands had some respite at the other end of the field when they earned a free kick, but Charlton Mashumba fired over the bar.

There was also a chance for Cale before Kapini again bailed the hosts out by making an excellent save to deny Zuma on 87 minutes, the Celtic winger also missing the target with an added time header as the Free State side had to settle for the draw which takes them to 12th position.

The Gauteng club are yet to win in the five games Gordon Igesund has been in charge and remain in the relegation zone, although the point does move them above Free State Stars and into 15th spot.