Ajax
dominated the opening stages, playing some neat and free-flowing football.
Their
dominance was also transferred into superiority on the score-sheet when after
just two minutes a poor clearance from a Leopards player the ball fell to Brent
Carelse, who scored with a well-placed volley.
Ajax
then has Sander Westerveld to thank for keeping their lead in tact when he made
a fantastic reflex save from Thomas Madimba.
But
there was no denying Lidoda Duvha their equalising goal in the 16th minute when
Rodney Ramagalela scored with a well taken low drive from 18-yards out.
The game
remained open and fast-paced, with both teams intent on attacking.
The
visiting side were to score next, taking the lead after 35 minutes as Kingston
Nkhatha rose well in the box to glance home a corner kick.
Ajax
however were soon back on level terms as Brett Evans slammed home a shot from
30-yards out, which perhaps Leopards keeper Postnett Omony should have kept
out.
Deep in
injury time the Cape side were back in front again as towering centre back
Matthew Booth powered home a header.
It took
some time of second half action before any real goal threats materialised as
both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in and around the box.
Ajax
were perhaps controlling the game more, but had to wait until the 76th minute
for their first real chance which saw Manyama’s volley tipped over by Omony
following Billiat’s cross.
George
Maluleka nearly got on the score-sheet a few minutes later, but his curling
effort landed on top of the net.
Ajax
seemed to be cruising, but there was some late drama as Nkhatha got his second
of the game with a header from Kethokwakhe Masuku’s free kick.
But even deeper into injury time and Ajax struck back again, this time Manyama hammering the ball into the roof of the net to secure a late win.