Cape Town - A come-from-behind 2-1 win over AmaZulu at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night saw Ajax Cape Town going temporarily top of the league table.
The home team had to show character after conceding an early goal, which they did, showing patience and calmness despite the importance of the game.
They had to hang on for dear life late on as AmaZulu rallied for a point, and in the end the hand of Hans Vonk saved the day with a crucial 87th minute stop.
Ajax would no doubt have liked an early goal to settle the nerves, but it was worse case scenario when AmaZulu scored within two minutes – Ayanda Dlamini netting from close range after Vonk had made a hash of a relatively tame effort from Goodman Dlamini.
Apart from the odd Usuthu counter-attack, Ajax began to take control of the game, but for all their neat build up play, they struggled to create chances as the AmaZulu defence, well lead by Carlington Nyadombo, held firm.
When the equaliser did arrive, on the half hour mark, it was worth waiting for. Khama Billiat started the move down the right wing, before passing to Thulani Serero.
Serero went on a surging run, played a one-two with Terror Fanteni and then crossed for Billiat to header home on the run – a well-worked team move.
That was pretty much it for first half action, neither side looking a threat in front of goal for the remaining 15 minutes.
There was an early second half chance for the visiting team, provided by Bongani Mhele’s mazy run, but his parting shot was just not clinical enough to beat Vonk.
However, it was the home side who were to score – Clayton Daniels giving Ajax a 53rd minute lead when he side-footed home from a corner.
There were half chances at both ends, but Lehlohonolo Majoro and then Serero could not alter the score-line.
Ajax were then forced into a change when substitute Sameehg Doutie made way for Seydouba Soumah after having to go off for stitches to his head.
And then with eight minutes to go, the Urban Warriors were forced to play with 10 men after Granwald Scott was forced off with injury.
Usuthu ended the game as the side with more impetus, but they came up against a determined Ajax rear-guard, who ensured that the Cape side go momentarily to the top of the log.
It could have been a different story however if Vonk had not got the slightest of touches onto Bukasa Kasonga’s 87th minute scorcher, the ball being deflected onto the woodwork.
The home team had to show character after conceding an early goal, which they did, showing patience and calmness despite the importance of the game.
They had to hang on for dear life late on as AmaZulu rallied for a point, and in the end the hand of Hans Vonk saved the day with a crucial 87th minute stop.
Ajax would no doubt have liked an early goal to settle the nerves, but it was worse case scenario when AmaZulu scored within two minutes – Ayanda Dlamini netting from close range after Vonk had made a hash of a relatively tame effort from Goodman Dlamini.
Apart from the odd Usuthu counter-attack, Ajax began to take control of the game, but for all their neat build up play, they struggled to create chances as the AmaZulu defence, well lead by Carlington Nyadombo, held firm.
When the equaliser did arrive, on the half hour mark, it was worth waiting for. Khama Billiat started the move down the right wing, before passing to Thulani Serero.
Serero went on a surging run, played a one-two with Terror Fanteni and then crossed for Billiat to header home on the run – a well-worked team move.
That was pretty much it for first half action, neither side looking a threat in front of goal for the remaining 15 minutes.
There was an early second half chance for the visiting team, provided by Bongani Mhele’s mazy run, but his parting shot was just not clinical enough to beat Vonk.
However, it was the home side who were to score – Clayton Daniels giving Ajax a 53rd minute lead when he side-footed home from a corner.
There were half chances at both ends, but Lehlohonolo Majoro and then Serero could not alter the score-line.
Ajax were then forced into a change when substitute Sameehg Doutie made way for Seydouba Soumah after having to go off for stitches to his head.
And then with eight minutes to go, the Urban Warriors were forced to play with 10 men after Granwald Scott was forced off with injury.
Usuthu ended the game as the side with more impetus, but they came up against a determined Ajax rear-guard, who ensured that the Cape side go momentarily to the top of the log.
It could have been a different story however if Vonk had not got the slightest of touches onto Bukasa Kasonga’s 87th minute scorcher, the ball being deflected onto the woodwork.