Celtic show Santos who rules

SANTOS came crashing back to earth yesterday at Botshabelo Stadium.

Four days after their 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Athlone Stadium, the Capetonians lost 2-0 to late goals by Bloemfontein Celtic away from home.

Santos first fell behind to a Rainford Osei goal in the 75th minute. Their goalkeeper Dembo Touray was finally beaten just when it looked as if he would keep another clean sheet on the road.

Then, in an attempt to find an equaliser Santos were left exposed at the back and allowed Celtic to seal the win in the 90th minute through Jacky Motshekgwa.

Celtic's Clifford Mulenga received a second yellow card in referee's optional time, but by then it was too late for Santos to exploit their numerical advantage.

Santos remain in the bottom three of the Premier League and are running out of games to save themselves from relegation. There are only 10 matches to play and they must still meet Supersport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns - all title contenders.

Celtic also have their goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer to thank. He made good saves to deny attempts by Eleazar Rogers, Erwin Isaacs and Matthew Pattison.

• Elsewhere, Black Leopards continued with their inconsistent run when they went down 3-2 to a revitalised Platinum Stars at Giyani Stadium.

Former Leopards captain Robert Ng'ambi scored a brace within 11 minutes of the first half, but the home team replied twice through Mongezi Bobe . Chiukepo Msowoya scored the winner in the 88th minute.