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Ajax down Platinum Stars

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town were unlikely 3-2 winners over Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Ajax made a decent start to the game, enjoying good periods of ball possession, though failing to put it to good use.

They may have had more than their fair share of the ball, but the home side's play lacked in cohesion and imagination as all too often their forays failed to produce anything noteworthy.

It didn't help that Brent Carelse found himself as the front-most striker, following the absence of Terror Fanteni.

Ajax lacked a focal point in attack, though Carelse did come close on 12 minutes when he just missed getting on the end of Khama Billiat's cross.

It was against the run of play however that the visiting side took the lead - Sibusiso Msomi scoring from an audacious angle after a mistake from Maluleka on 21 minutes.

Ajax should have levelled 15 minutes later, but Nhlanhla Vilakazi got himself into a real tangle when through on goal, following Granwald Scott's superb ball.

Two minutes later and the hosts were down to 10 men as Paul Rusike was sent for an early shower for what appeared to be dissent.

Nigerian striker George Akpabio came on after the break, but was unable to change the score-line despite his efforts.

As Ajax appeared to run out of ideas, Stars doubled their advantage on 67 minutes when Thuso Phala netted from close range after the Ajax defence was badly exposed.

There was however a real hint of off-sides about the goal.

The North West Province side certainly appeared to have the game sealed, but it was Ajax who rallied impressively and passionately late on.

Lebo Manyama pulled the first goal back on 84 minutes when he converted from the spot after Khama Billiat was fouled by Ntsikelelo Nyauza.

In the first minute of stoppage time Matthew Booth made the score 2-2 as he calmly slotted home from 10-yards after Billiat's assist.

And then in the 95th and final minute Cecil Lolo somehow bundled the ball into the net after a massive goal mouth scramble.

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