Share

Ajax fightback shoots down Stars

Cape Town - Free State Stars surrendered the lead to lose 2-1 to Ajax Cape Town in their Absa Premiership match at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Ea Lla Koto opened the scoring courtesy of Sthembiso Ngcobo, but two quick-fire goals from Mosa Lebusa and Prince Nxumalo handed the Urban Warriors all three points

The home side started positively with their first shot on goal as early as the third minute courtesy of Franklyn Cale, but his attempt from the edge of the box went narrowly wide.

Ten minutes later Ajax had another effort on goal when a corner was partially cleared to Toriq Losper just outside the box, but his shot was superbly saved by Daouda Diakite.

Stars slowly started to come into the game and managed to take the lead in the 26th minute after a swift passing move concluded with Sthembiso Ngcobo striking the ball home from just inside the box, 1-0.

Ajax, though, quickly hit back when Mosa Lebusa superbly turned home a free-kick from Cale on the half hour mark, 1-1.

Ten minutes later Ajax took the lead when Prince Nxumalo powerfully headed home a Riyaad Norodien corner-kick, 2-1.

The second half saw Ajax continue from where they left off as Norodien let fly from distance in the 50th minute, but his effort sailed inches over the target.

Ten minutes later Losper tested the fingertips of Diakite with a stinging shot, but the Stars shot-stopper was up to the challenge.

Both teams pressed hard for another goal in the last half hour, but chances were few and far between.

Lucky Mohomi almost rescued a point for the Ea Lla Koto in the 85th minute when he was superbly denied by the Ajax keeper from long range.

Stars continued to press for the equaliser, but in the end the Ajax defence held firm for the win.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE