Bloemfontein Celtic progressed into the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after defeating Witbank Spurs 2-1 at the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium in Botshabelo on Sunday afternoon.

The home side bounced back from a goal down by Rhulani Manzini to see Musa Nyatama and Mogogi Gabonamong complete the business for the Siwelele.

Witbank Spurs were the first to offer a shot on target through Sici Shelembe’s powerful curling free-kick in the fourth minute.

His effort caused a bit of a stir, as Patrick Tignyemb couldn’t hold onto his initial save and had to react quickly by snatching the ball away from two onrushing players.

Musa Nyatama, who scored a hat-trick in Celtic’s 8-0 win over the University of Stellenbosch, forced a save out of Lindokuhle Nkambule with his powerful drive on 14 minutes.

Surprisingly it was Spurs who took the lead in the 22nd minute through Rhulani Manzini. The attacking player received the ball inside the box, turned his marker and slotted an effort past Tignyemb in goal.

But the visitors’ lead lasted just five minutes after Nyatama drew level with a bursting run into the box, which saw him cut past the Spurs’ goalkeeper and lob a fine finish into the box.

It was so nearly 2-1 to Witbank Spurs moments later when Celtic were guilty of some shoddy defending again, but a last-ditch clearance by Musa Bilankulu prevented the ball from rolling into the back of the net.

Then, in the 36th minute, Lerato Lamola should have shot first time but, instead, threaded the ball through to Nyatama on the edge of the area, but the goalscorer couldn’t finish it on target.

Both coaches opted to make a substitution early in the second half with Lerato Manzini (Celtic) and Doctor Skhosana (Spurs) coming on for their respective teams, indicating that both outfits were going on the offensive.

Spurs were struggling to impose the attacking authority they displayed in the first half, as they added Henry Tau into the mix on the hour mark.

There was no denying Mogogi Gabonamong as he put Celtic in the lead for the first time in the match with a pile-driver from inside the box.

Spurs were guilty of failing to clear their lines off a corner, with 15 minutes to spare, and the Botswana international pounced on a loose ball.

Skhosana then tried an audacious effort on the half-volley from range but it was skied straight over Celtic’s goal frame.

Bloemfontein Celtic (1) 2 (Nyatama 27’, Gabonamong 75’)
Witbank Spurs (1) 1 (Manzini 22’)

Celtic: Tignyemb, Gabonamong, Bilankulu, Nkausu, Mogapi, Mzava (Manzini 46’), Letlabika, Buchanan, Nyatama, Lamola (Lakay 66’), Mhango (Phungulwa 93’)

Spurs: Nkambule, Mpuqa, Ngunyule, Mubayiwa Patrick, Mubayiwa Peter, Nzimande, Manzini (Mkhatshwa 80’), Matema (Skhosana 46’), Shelembe, Ngobe (Tau 61’)