A game between Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates is famous for producing sparks, but no one would have scripted the incredible fightback from Celtic as they forced the match into extra time at 3-3.
Thabo Matlaba (8) for Pirates and Tsietsi Mahoa (4) for Celtics during the Telkom Knockout quarter final match Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates from Free State Stadium. Photo by Charle Lombard / Gallo Images
They capped an amazing performance by clinching it 5-3 on penalties.
So the champions are out, with Phunya Sele Sele showing they can go all the way in this tournament.
Celtic looked in the doldrums with the Buccaneers well ahead late in the second half.
Daine Klate had scored the opener for Pirates in this Telkom Knockout encounter and created a second for Oupa Manyisa.
Lennox Bacela converted a penalty to make it 2-1, but Pirates pushed through and built and what should have been an unassailable lead with defender Thabo Matlaba’s long-range strike making it 3-1.
Then came the astonishing comeback from Celtic.
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| Collins Mbesuma |
Ruzaigh Gamildien’s header in the 90th minute made for a tense finish as Celtic crept closer to 3-2.
As Pirates grew tired, resorting to hoofing the ball forward and hoping the referee would blow the whistle, Celtic gave it one more hustle.
It was substitute Joel Mogorosi who produced the moment of the match with a spectacular overhead kick, levelling matters just beyond the four minutes of referee’s optional time allowed by Victor Gomes.
The equalising goal sent the loud home fans into a frenzy.
With legs getting heavy and all substitutions completed, it came down to a battle of wits, tactics and tested who would be the shrewder of the local coaches – Roger De Sa (Bucs) or Clinton Larsen (Celtic).
Celtic had the mental advantage because of their unbeaten record here against Pirates since 2008. Pirates appeared in charge and ready to progress to the semifinals, where Free State Stars, Supersport United or Mamelodi Sundowns lie in wait for today’s draw.
But there were danger signs for Pirates. Ndumiso Mabena replaced the ineffective Collins Mbesuma, then missed a one-on-one chance with only Celtic keeper Patrick Tignyemb to beat.
Celtic were denied an early penalty before referee Gomes correctly awarded the spot kick converted by Bacela later. Andile Jali, before the flurry of goals, was too casual when he could have guaranteed Pirates a 2-0 lead at halftime.
No matter how the game was decided, it seemed as if goals would never have been an issue. Celtic scored all their penalties, Bacela, Lerato Manzini, Jacky Motshegwa, Mogorosi and Dominic Isaacs clinically putting them past Moeneeb Josephs.
Jali, Sangweni and Patrick Phungwayo scored for Pirates, but Oupa Manyisa had his penalty saved by Tignyemb. The noise from the Celtic supporters was deafening.
Source: sundaylive.co.za
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