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Nelspruit - Mpumalanga Black Aces were denied three Premiership points by Anssi Jaakkola as he helped Ajax Cape Town record a 0-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Aces will feel that it was two points dropped as they were the team to create the most chances despite the fixture being a rather dull encounter.
Both the teams came into the match with almost identical records, with Aces having conceded just a few less than the Urban Warriors.
Aces were out to test whether Ajax would fall victim to complacency following their midweek win over Kaizer Chiefs, and it was Thabo Qalinge who was the first to test the away team’s goalkeeper with his overhead kick.
There were shouts for a penalty by Aces in the 12th minute of the match when the ball struck the upper arm of Mosa Lebusa inside the box. Luckily for him, the referee adjudged it to be of no intention.
It was the home side who was doing most of the pressing and they caused some nervy moments in defence for Ajax when Ritus Krjuaklis failed to clear a long ball nine minutes later. It fell kindly to Mabhuti Khenyeza, who struck it on the turn, forcing Jaakkola to make a diving save.
Just before the half hour, Legobang Manyama cut back for Keagan Dolly but his shot was blocked by Abel Mabaso in front of the goal.
At the brink of the half-time whistle, Ajax were handed another injury concern when Telinho suffered an injury to his jaw in a collision. No risks were prepared to be taken and he was replaced by last week’s goal-hero Tasriq Morris.
A second change was made by Ajax after the break with Cole Alexander coming on in place of the disappointing Lebogang Manyama.
A defence splitting pass in the 52nd minute handed Khenyeza the best chance of the game, but his failure to shoot with his first touch allowed Ajax to close him down.
Clifford Ngobeni was the next player to test Jaakkola with his snap-shot on the hour, forcing the Finn to make an impressive save by tipping the ball over the angular of the bar.
Lebusa was living dangerously when his arm brought down the substitute Dennis Masina in the six-yard area, and the full-back was fortunate to have nothing given against him as the game played to a goalless draw.
Teams:
Mpumalanga Black Aces: Nhlapo, Mabaso, Nato, Mwanjale, Hendricks, Zwane, Ngobeni, Ngalo, Qalinge (Mulenga 84’), Okonkwo (Masina 68’),Khenyeza
Ajax Cape Town: Jaakkola, Lebusa, Isaacs, Krjauklis, Jenniker, Mobara, Telinho (Morris 47’), Losper, Rodgers, Manyama (Alexander 46’), Dolly (Paulse 63’)
