Tired-looking Kaizer Chiefs continued their languid conclusion to a trophy-less campaign as they played out a tepid goalless draw with Bloemfontein Celtic last night.
It means Steve Komphela's side have now won just once in their last 11 matches and stayed in fourth place in the Absa Premiership standings, behind Platinum Stars.
Celtic's slim hopes of a top eight place also ended as they are stuck down in 12th place in the standings after winning a paltry three of their last 24 encounters
The first half was an exercise in wastefulness with both sides overelaborating on the ball and undone by the need for lengthy lingering when simple one-touch football would have done the trick.
Dumisani Zuma wasted the first chance for Celtic in the 18th minute with a wild shot as the Chiefs' defence were backing off him.
Just past the half hour mark, Chiefs had a free kick which Morgan Gould, in for the suspended Lorenzo Gordinho, flicked on for Mulomowandau Mathoho, who blasted over from right under the crossbar.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane's shot was then saved by Patrick Tignyemb soon after as Chiefs exchanged passes on the edge of the opposition's penalty area.
l Meanwhile, Nick Said reports that Denver Mukamba headed a late equaliser to seal what could be a precious point for Jomo Cosmos in their 2-2 draw at Ajax Cape Town.
Linda Mntmabo had given Cosmos the lead, only for Prince Nxumalo to score twice in the second period and put Ajax on course for an undeserved win.
But with virtually the final play of the game, Mukamba rose in the penalty area to head home and steel back a point for Cosmos in their bid to avoid the drop.
Nxumalo took his tally for the season in the league to 13, one behind leading scorer Collins Mbesuma, but it was not enough as Ajax faltered.
The draw leaves Cosmos four points clear of University of Pretoria in the relegation play-off position with two matches to play and five in front of bottom-placed Maritzburg United, who have a game in hand.
Ajax handed a debut to Kenyan international midfielder Ali Abondo, who looked a neat and tidy addition to the squad and one to watch for next season.
The visitors were in front on 15 minutes and it was the simplest of goals. A corner swung in was missed by the Ajax defenders and Mntambo was able to flick home his first ever Premier League goal.
Ajax coach Roger de Sa then did something he has been loathe to do all campaign, play Nxumalo and halftime substitute Nathan Paulse up front together.
And it paid almost immediate dividends as Paulse steered a header in the box into the path of his strike partner and Nxumalo provided a neat finish.
Chiefs falter again; Cosmos fight back
Tired-looking Kaizer Chiefs continued their languid conclusion to a trophy-less campaign as they played out a tepid goalless draw with Bloemfontein Celtic last night.
It means Steve Komphela's side have now won just once in their last 11 matches and stayed in fourth place in the Absa Premiership standings, behind Platinum Stars.
Celtic's slim hopes of a top eight place also ended as they are stuck down in 12th place in the standings after winning a paltry three of their last 24 encounters
The first half was an exercise in wastefulness with both sides overelaborating on the ball and undone by the need for lengthy lingering when simple one-touch football would have done the trick.
Dumisani Zuma wasted the first chance for Celtic in the 18th minute with a wild shot as the Chiefs' defence were backing off him.
Just past the half hour mark, Chiefs had a free kick which Morgan Gould, in for the suspended Lorenzo Gordinho, flicked on for Mulomowandau Mathoho, who blasted over from right under the crossbar.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane's shot was then saved by Patrick Tignyemb soon after as Chiefs exchanged passes on the edge of the opposition's penalty area.
l Meanwhile, Nick Said reports that Denver Mukamba headed a late equaliser to seal what could be a precious point for Jomo Cosmos in their 2-2 draw at Ajax Cape Town.
Linda Mntmabo had given Cosmos the lead, only for Prince Nxumalo to score twice in the second period and put Ajax on course for an undeserved win.
But with virtually the final play of the game, Mukamba rose in the penalty area to head home and steel back a point for Cosmos in their bid to avoid the drop.
Nxumalo took his tally for the season in the league to 13, one behind leading scorer Collins Mbesuma, but it was not enough as Ajax faltered.
The draw leaves Cosmos four points clear of University of Pretoria in the relegation play-off position with two matches to play and five in front of bottom-placed Maritzburg United, who have a game in hand.
Ajax handed a debut to Kenyan international midfielder Ali Abondo, who looked a neat and tidy addition to the squad and one to watch for next season.
The visitors were in front on 15 minutes and it was the simplest of goals. A corner swung in was missed by the Ajax defenders and Mntambo was able to flick home his first ever Premier League goal.
Ajax coach Roger de Sa then did something he has been loathe to do all campaign, play Nxumalo and halftime substitute Nathan Paulse up front together.
And it paid almost immediate dividends as Paulse steered a header in the box into the path of his strike partner and Nxumalo provided a neat finish.
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