The much anticipated Absa Premiership encounter between Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns played at Seisa Ramabodu on Wednesday evening lived up to expectations with Sundowns bouncing back to convincingly win 2-0 in front of the capacity crowd.

the Brazilians dominated the early proceedings and as early as the fifth minute Katlego Mphela's shot went wide.

The Brazilianopened the lead in the 13th minute through the boot of hard- working striker Mabhuti Khenyeze.

Khenyeza took the shot when challenged by Celtic defender Motsere Motlhaping and beat keeper Patrick Tignyemb hands down.

After the goal Sundowns came firing on all cylinders but were kept at bay by the keeper who was at times forced to make difficult saves.

In the 22nd minute Celtic defender Mbuyiselo Sambu fouled Elias Pelembe just outside the box, forcing a dangerous free kick which was however fluffled by the strikers.

Siwele strikers posed less problems for the Downs defence which was well marshalled by Matthew Booth and Siyanda Xulu.

Celtic nearly levelled matters in the 38th minute through the boot of midfielder Cecil Oersen but his shot was well saved by keeper Brian Baloyi.

Four minutes later Oersen got a repeat free kick which he ballooned over the bar.

Celtic striker Tlou Segolela outran defenders on the left wing and took a powerful shot which was easily dealt with by Baloyi.

The second stanza saw two sides producing scintilling performances but it was Celtic that absorbed pressure on the threatening counter attacks by both Khenyeze and Mphela.

In the 52nd minute Celtic nearly equalised through Walaza but he missed the target and in the 56th minute Segolela outran defenders but shot straight into the keeper's arms.

Tignyemb produced pulled a great save from Mphela who mesmerised the Celtic defence for the better part of the game.

Sustitute Felix Katongo sealed victory for the Brazilian in the 84th minute when he gave the keeper no chance and made it 2-0.