Sundowns deny Celtic top-eight finish
Mamelodi Sundowns gave several of their reserve players some game time, as the new league champions played to a goalless draw with Bloemfontein Celtic in their final Premiership match of the season, at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.
Mamelodi Sundowns celebrating their league championship during the Absa Premiership match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns at Dr Molemela Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by CharlŽ Lombard/Gallo Images)
With Chippa United drawing 1-1 with Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, and Golden Arrows securing a point in a 1-all draw with Maritzburg United in the KwaZulu Natal derby, the point obtained by Celtic ended up being immaterial as they miss out on a top-eight placing.
Celtic, who have experienced highly inconsistent league form since the start of the year, had the best chance of the first half but midfielder Vusi Shikweni sent his header straight at Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
Though Sundowns were playing without several of their stars who were being rested after the league title-winning feat, Celtic were not spared the absence of Percy Tau, who terrorised their defence for much of the match.
Central defender Wayne Arendse tried his best to make his presence felt particularly on the attack from set-pieces, but ultimately the men from Chloorkop would have been happy to head home with a point as the curtain came down on a difficult league season.
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