As if their 0-2 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates last Friday evening was not enough to stir up their team’s supporters, Black Leopards lost another Absa Premiership League match.

Bloemfontein Celtic beat them by the same margin on Tuesday evening at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein.

It was clear from the opening minute that the Leopards’ defence was going to be tested as Hlompho Kekana came close to scoring in the first minute, when his 18-yard shot just missed the target. Despite their lack of composure at the back, Leopards were the first to force a keeper into a save. After good individual work in the 11th minute, Raymond Monama worked his way into a striking position about 20 yards out from goal. His effort was superbly saved by Patrick Tinyemb.

Two minutes later, Leopards were made to pay for poor defensive marking, as Kekana drove down the right flank and whipped a cross into the box to find Moses Spandeel completely unmarked. The Celtic man made no mistake with a clinical header into the top right-hand corner.

Following the goal, Leopards tried to fight their way into the match and they controlled the possession stakes. Despite that, Lidoda Duvha could not find the right pass in the Celtic danger area to unlock their rock-solid defence. The visitors were lucky to go for the half-time break only one goal down after Clifford Mulenga caused an upset by shooting wide from close range in the 44th minute.

The second half saw Leopards creating a couple more chances in the opponents’ danger zone but again their strikers, Rodney Ramagalela and Thabo Mongalo, fumbled at the goal finish. It was in the 65th minute when Hlompho Kekana headed home from the edge of the box to give his side a 2-0 lead. After going a second goal up, Celtic seemed content to sit back in defence while trying to preserve their lead.

It remains to be seen whether Leopards will make a comeback when they host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane next Wednesday evening, August 24.