A late goal by Mosa Lebusa helped Ajax Cape Town claim a narrow 1-0 victory over Baroka at Athlone Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The home side came out with intent in the early stages of the game and had the first opportunity when Krahire Zakri latched on to Rodrick Kabwe’s cross before forcing Ayanda Dlamini into making a good save to deny his header.

Muhsin Erugral’s side started to gain momentum and saw more possession of the ball while Baroka forced to sit back and defend.

Ajax had another opportunity when Zakri intercepted the ball before attempting to get his shot away, but the visitors put their bodies on the line to block his effort.

The Urban Warriors were forced to endure a spell of pressure from Baroka in which they conceded four corners. However, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their chances in the final third.

Baroka had a chance two minutes from the interval when Talent Chawapiwa unleashed a strike from distance, but his effort sailed wide of the target.

The match went into the half time interval with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

Ajax nearly broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Samuel Julies steered a shot towards goal, but Dlamini was on hand to deny the attacking midfielder.

Toriq Losper appealed for a handball inside the Baroka penalty area, but referee Daniel Bennett waved play on.

At the other end, Lucky Nguzana made his way through on goal before unleashing a strike at goal, but Ajax got enough bodies in front of the ball to block his effort.

Mduduzi Mdantsane should’ve given his side the lead after he produced a powerful strike at goal, but he failed to hit the target with his effort.

Baroka nearly gave found the back of the net when Chawapiwa beat his marker before producing a long-range effort at goal, but his effort sailed over the target.

Substitute Sergio Kammies nearly opened the scoring after 78 minutes, but he failed to steer his strike towards goal as he blazed his chance wide of the target.

The home side should’ve put the game to bed in the closing stages of the match, but Zakri failed to connect with a cross at the far post.

However, the home side eventually broke the deadlock three minutes into injury time courtesy of a header from Lebusa.

The Urban Warriors managed to hold on to their one-goal lead over Baroka until the final whistle to claim all three points at Athlone Stadium.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix