Chiefs suffer setback in Cape Town
Updated | By Staff Writer
The only goal of the game came two minutes from time, and was scored by Ajax midfielder Abbubaker Mobara.
The result was harsh on Stuart Baxter's side, who were not at their best on attack, but nevertheless deserved a point from a match which was short on quality but full of action.
The contest got off to a fast-paced start, with play quickly flowing from end-to-end in the opening minutes.
While the home side managed a handful of promising chances in the first half, the Urban Warriors were for the most part content with sitting back in defence.
The Soweto side were more adventurous going forward, but they were not able to convert their chances into goal threats, thanks to a lack of application, as well as a conservative approach by Ajax.
Both sides looked slick on the transition, with the Amakhosi having a fourth minute chance when George Lebese pulled a low drive just across the face of goal.
Ajax's winger Ernesto also went close when he fired in a low shot across.
The intensity of the game remained high, although it took some time for the next chance to arrive, which saw Thulani Hlatshwayo heading straight at Itumeleng Khune from a free-kick.
The home side were unlucky not to take the lead on the half-hour mark when Ernesto's cross picked out Eleazar Rodgers, but his cushioned volley came back off the woodwork, Khune having been well beaten.
Chiefs went on to enjoy some good possession in the closing stages of the opening period, but again failed to test the Ajax goalkeeper.
The second half saw Keegan Dolly on for Cole Alexander as the hosts looked to up the ante in their attacks.
Coach Muhsin Ertugral's decision paid off as Dolly fired in an effort over the bar before another promising run ended with Hlatshwayo bursting into the box before failing to locate a team-mate.
The visitors began to show more threat in going forward, although all they had to show from a succession of corners was a header wide of goal from defender Tefu Mashamaite, while with 10 minutes to go Siphiwe Tshabalala struck the side-netting.
But Ajax found the impetus in the 87th minute, Mobara sweeping up the field before picking out Dolly on the left wing, who put in an accurate cross for Mobara to head in on the line.
(File photo:Gallo Images)
- Sapa
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