Cape Town City claimed bragging rights in the Cape derby after beating Ajax Cape Town 1-0 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The match got off to a cagey start with both Ajax and City trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.
The Citizens nearly broke the deadlock with their first chance of the encounter when Craig Martin hit the post with his strike after he was played through on goal by Teko Modise.
Ajax had a chance of their own eight minutes later, after Sergio Kammies picked out Ndiviwe Mdabuka, but the midfielder headed his effort over the target from close range.
Brandon Petersen came to his side’s rescue in the 38th minute after the Ajax shot-stopper produced a fine save to deny Thabo Nododa’s goal-bound effort.
The Urban Warriors were then reduced to 10 men a minute before the half time interval when Gerald Takwara received his marching orders for his second bookable offence.
Benni McCarthy’s side came out with more intent in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute as Martin’s header found the back of the net after latching on to Ayanda Patosi’s cross.
Muhsin Ertugral made his first substitution of the match after 58 minutes when he introduced Fagrie Lakay to replace Tashreeq Morris in the midfield while McCarthy brought Lyle Lakay on for Roland Putsche three minutes later.
Nodada nearly doubled his side’s lead in the 67th minute, but the midfielder failed to steer his header towards the target.
The encounter became a stop-start affair as tempers began to flare up, and McCarthy was given his marching orders late with 10 minutes left to play in the second half.
Petersen once again came to Ajax’s rescue in the 89th minute when he produced a superb one-handed save to deny Lakay’s free kick.
The Urban Warriors pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the match but were unable to break down City’s defence as McCarthy’s men held on to their 1-0 lead until the final whistle to do the double over Ertugral’s side.
In other Absa Premiership results:
Free State Stars 0-3 Maritzburg United
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
