The score was 1-1 after extra-time as the game proceeded to penalties.
The first attempt at goal came just after 10 minutes when Ndumiso Mabena’s cross found Jacky Motshegwa, who skied his effort over the bar from close range.
Celtic were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute after Onismor Bhasera fouled Menzi Masuku. However, Mbhazima Rikhotso’s penalty was saved by debutant goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
In the 36th minute, Celtic were awarded a penalty once when Bhasera was guilty of fouling Masuku again. Ndumiso Mabena stepped and made no mistake as Mbanjwa remained rooted to the spot, 1-0.
As the ref blew the half time whistle, Celtic would have been happy with their dominance.
Sipho Mbule equalised for United after Kingston Nkhatha’s drilled cross found the midfielder in space with a diving header into the back of the net on the 58th minute mark.
Mabena then came close to reclaiming the lead in two quick successive attempts -first he struck the cross bar with a header and missed narrowly after lobbing over Mbanjwa.
Thereafter the match fizzled out as neither side managed to find the winning goal as the 90minutes ended in a stalemate
Second-half substitute Richard Boateng skied the first shot of first half extra time after eight minutes. The half ended ended with score unchanged.
Celtic came out of the blocks firing as Given Mashikinya powered a drive from inside the box but Mbanjwa was equal to the task in the 109th minute.
The deadlock proved to be difficult to break as the teams had to face off in a penalty shoot-out, where the Free State outfit triumphed.
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