Soccer
Arrows floor Ajax
2011-11-06 17:38
Thamsanqa Gabuza and Aidan Jenniker (Backpage)
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Cape Town - Golden Arrows' poor season received a major boost as they booked their place in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.
The Durban side made good use of the few chances that came their way, while Ajax struggled to trouble the Arrows goal, despite having the bulk of the play.
Ajax had the better of the first half, dominating in terms of possession, while taking shots on goal and earning corner kicks.
Urban Warriors goalkeeper Sander Westerveld barely had any work to do, apart from picking up the ball from the back of the net in the 35th minute.
Thanduyise Khuboni converted from the spot after Thulani Hlatshwayo had mistimed his tackle on Dillon Sheppard, who had been in full flight and heading in on goal.
It had taken 23 minutes before George Maluleka took the first real opportunity of the game, with his shot from some distance dipping just over the crossbar.
The hosts were at it again a minute before the break when Aidan Jenniker's powerful 30-metre effort was superbly tipped over the bar by Helton da Rocha.
Showing more purpose after the restart, Ajax fought back, with substitute Granwald Scott sweeping in a left-footed shot 10 minutes into the second half.
With 20 minutes to go, Ajax winger Khama Billiat had a couple of attempts from distance, but both were well dealt with by Da Rocha, while Westerveld got down well to stop Sheppard's near-post drive in the 76th minute.
Ajax were to pay the price for some hesitant defending with nine minutes left as the KZN side went back in front.
When the hosts failed to clear the ball on the left of defence, it was quickly squared to Sheppard.
The former Ajax winger's shot was not cleanly connected, but the slightest of touches from Thamsanqa Gabuza was enough to take the ball past Westerveld and in to the back of the net for the winner.