Maritzburg opened the scoring in the match through Diyo Sibisi, while Phunya Sele Sele forced a share of the spoils thanks to Lennox Bacela’s goal early in the second half.

Maritzburg were first to threaten a goal, with strikers Diyo Sibisi and Prince Olomu getting away long range efforts inside the first ten minutes, though Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb wasn’t especially troubled by either attempt.

On 17 minutes Celtic created their first genuine scoring chance but striker Lennox Bacela scooped his shot over the crossbar from just ten metres out. Winger Ipeleng Seepamore was guilty of the same mistake just under 20 minutes later.

Celtic were made to pay for their missed opportunities, as the Team of Choice surged ahead on 38 minutes. Sibisi took advantage of some slack defending from the hosts to score from close range with his head.

Early in the second half Maritzburg had the chance to double their advantage, with substitute Morne Davids picking out Olomu with a good cross, but the Nigerian was unable to hit the target from just six yards out.

Celtic brought themselves level on the score board in the 51st minute. Bacela atoned for the earlier misses by the hosts when he turned home Thokozani Mshengu’s cross from close range to make it 1-1.

Seven minutes after the goal, Celtic almost took the lead through a powerful drive from attacker Clifford Mulenga, but Maritzburg’s Shu-Aib Walters made a sharp save to keep the score level.

Neither side was able to create any further clear scoring opportunities. Celtic at least tried to make something happen by throwing on striker Lethola Mofokeng in place of Kgotso Moleko, but United responded by introducing the defensive-minded Michael Morton on to ensure they came away from Seisa Ramabodu with a valuable point.

Celtic: Tignyemb; Moleko (Mofokeng 82’), Nthethe, Mathoho, Hlela; Mshengu (Venter 68’), Madubanya, Oersen, Seepamore; Mulenga, Bacela

Maritzburg: Walters; Petersen, Diouf, Hendricks, Lawrence (M. Davids 30’); Obada, Lentjies, Madondo, Evans; Olomu (Matle 69’), Sibisi (Morton 88’)