Bucs blow it in Bloem

05 November 2012 - 02:08 By MAZOLA MOLEFE at Free State stadium
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The game between Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates. File photo
The game between Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates. File photo

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 this Telkom Knockout encounter into extra time at 3-3 here yesterday.

They then capped an amazing performance by clinching the match 5-3 on penalties.

Pirates had appeared in charge and ready to progress to the semifinals, where Free State Stars, Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns lie in wait in today's draw, while Celtic looked in the doldrums, with the Buccaneers well ahead late in the second half.

Daine Klate had scored the opener for Pirates and created a second for Oupa Manyisa, after a too casual Andile Jali could have scored and guaranteed Pirates a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Celtic were denied a penalty earlier, but referee Gomes correctly awarded them a spot kick later, which Lennox Bacela converted to make the score 2-1.

But Pirates pushed through and built what should have been an unassailable lead, with defender Thabo Matlaba's long-range strike making it 3-1.

But there were danger signs for Pirates. Ndumiso Mabena, who replaced the ineffective Collins Mbesuma, missed a one-on-one chance with only Celtic keeper Patrick Tignyemb to beat.

Then came the astonishing comeback from Celtic.

Ruzaigh Gamildien's header in the 90th minute made for a tense finish and Celtic crept closer at 3-2.

But it was Celtic substitute Joel Mogorosi who produced the moment of the match with a spectacular overhead kick.

His strike levelled matters just before the end of the four minutes of referee's optional time allowed by Victor Gomes.

The equalising goal sent the loud home fans into a frenzy.

Legs were getting heavy and all substitutions had been completed, so the result came down to a battle of wits between coaches Roger de Sa (Bucs) and Clinton Larsen (Celtic). Celtic had the mental advantage because of their unbeaten record here against Pirates since 2008.

The game was decided on penalties. 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 Celtic supporters was deafening, while Bucs supporters had to accept that the team cannot now win the treble again.

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