Ajax Cape Town will compete with Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos in the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs.

The visitors dictated terms from the get-go but struggled to break down a resolute Ajax outfit, who were content with playing on the counter-attack.

Despite Chiefs’ dominance in possession, there was little goalmouth action to speak of in the first half, barring a long-range effort from George Maluleka and a toe-poked effort from Urban Warriors defender Roscoe Pietersen.

Both goalkeepers were in excellent form for their respective teams as Brilliant Khuzwayo kept out an effort from Yannick Zakri in the 35th minute.

Ajax goalkeeper Jody February was not to be outdone and made a fine save to deny Gustavo Paez moments before the half-time interval.

The two sides went into the half-time break goalless.

Chiefs took the lead seven minutes after the restart when Bernard Parker headed home Maluleka’s corner kick.

Ajax forward Tashreeq Morris should have levelled matters on the hour-mark when he was put through on goal; however, he was denied by Khuzwayo.

The home side grabbed the equaliser four minutes later when captain Mosa Lebusa rose highest to head home Rodrick Kabwe’s corner.

February made a crucial save in the 66th minute to deny Siphiwe Tshabalala, who should have done better after jinxing his way into the area.

Ajax threw numbers forward in a bid to take the lead and were punished as a result, when Joseph Molangoane found the back of the net from a few yards out after a swift counter-attacking move.

Muhsin Ertugral’s side tried everything they could in the remaining minutes of the clash, but it was not to be, with the result leaving them in 15th spot in the table – meaning that they will take part in the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs with Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/Backpagepix