A brace by Yannick Zakri and a strike by Mosa Lebusa saw Ajax Cape Town claim a 3-0 victory against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The visitors got off to a bright start and looked lively with Mpho Makola and Musa Nyatama pulling strings in the midfield. It was, however the home side who opened the scoring in the 11th minute when an unmarked Lebusa rose highest to head home Yagan Sasman’s corner.

Pirates continued to dominate possession in addition to dictating terms in the midfield, which led coach Mushin Ertugral to bring on Ndiviwe Mdabuka for Tashreeq Morris on the half hour mark.

The move paid dividends two minutes later when Ajax doubled their lead from a swift counter-attacking move which saw Grant Margemann’s through ball find Tendai Ndoro, who in turn fed Zakri to net his first goal for the club.

Pirates were forced into an early change when capatin Makola was forced off with an injury and replaced by Happy Jele. Ajax were also forced into making a change as goalkeeper Brandon Pietersen failed to shake off an earlier collision with Mario Booysen, which resulted in Jody February having to replace him.

Pirates continued to dominate in the first half, however they were unable to break a resilient Ajax defence, which was well-protected by midfield duo Margemann and Tercious Malepe as Ajax went into the half-time break with their one-goal lead.

The visitors looked a side intent on scoring in the second half and they should have reduced their effort when some fine interplay saw the ball land to Innocent Maela in the area, however the defender missed with the goals begging at his mercy.

Ajax adopted a defensive strategy for the remaining minutes of the clash, but were able to score another when Zakri grabbed his brace following a surging run from Siyanda Zwane.

The victory saw the Urban Warriors secure a much-needed three points in their bid to escape the relegation zone.

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