Ajax Cape Town steered themselves clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory against Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium in their Absa Premiership encounter on Sunday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Stanley Menzo made two changes from his side that were on the end of a 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns, with Mark Mayambela and Ndiviwe Mdabuka being restored to the line-up.
Cavin Johnson made three changes to his side that played to a 1-1 draw against Free State Stars in their last league encounter, with Robert Ng’ambi, Sibusiso Msomi and Abia Nale all being handed starting berths.
Ajax Cape Town got off to the best possible start as they took the lead in the seventh minute, when Grant Margeman got on to the end of Travis Graham’s perfectly weighted through-ball to slot home and make it 1-0.
The home side shaded the possession stakes, and enjoyed the majority of the opportunities created, but a mixture of fine goalkeeping by Mbongeni Mzimela and poor finishing by the home side ensured that the scoreline stayed the same.
Dikwena hardly created any clear-cut opportunities in the first-half, but Ajax continued with their wastefulness as Prince Nxumalo broke through on goal, but was denied by Mzimela with the goal at his mercy.
The two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.
Dikwena emerged in the second half with more of an attacking intent, and most of the danger came from Johnson’s side, but they were unable to find the back of the net, despite their wave of attacks.
Ajax all but sealed the victory in the 68th minute when Mdabuka’s shot deflected off Luvolwethu Mpeta to give the home side a 2-0 lead.
The visitors offered little further resistance to Ajax’s dominance as the home side registered a much-needed three points in their bid to compete in the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, relegation-threatened Baroka played to a 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic at New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Mzwanele Mahashe’s first-half strike being cancelled out by Lyle Lakay.
Photo: Backpagepix/Chris Ricco
