Ajax end season with a win

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town ended their season with a win over Bidvest Wits and can thank Nathan Paulse who scored from the penalty spot in their Absa Premiership clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday

Despite their being a deflating atmosphere within Cape Town Stadium given that there were less than 500 supporters inside the iconic stadium, it took only six minutes for the opening shot at goal.

Ajax goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made a good save with his legs to deny Sibusiso Vilakazi after the Bafana Bafana attacker broke into space on the left side of the 18 area.

Nathan Paulse managed a half volley attempt at goal in the 25th minute, but there was never enough power behind the ball to trouble Moeneeb Josephs.

Inside the final five minutes of the half, Ajax’s Mosa Lebusa got into space on the left wing and cut inside the danger area, but instead of staying composed and finding a teammate he got his cross horribly wrong.

Moments later and Bidvest Wits hit the upright when Joachim Lupeta’s header cannoned off the post following a delightful left wing cross by Sifiso Hlanti.

A few minutes into the second half and Wits had the first chance on goal when Hlanti got into space on the left side of the 18 area, but his powerful shot flew over the bar. And moments later, Lupeta saw his close range attempt kept out following an excellent reflex save by Brandon Petersen.

Then in the 50th minute Ajax left winger Riyaad Norodien went down insde the area under a challenge from Nazeer Allie and referee Khulekani Thusi awarded a penalty. Nathan Paulse sent Jospehs the wrong way to open the score.

Wits substitute Vincent Pule made a good run in the 70th minute which resulted in him firing a left footed shot towards the near post, but Petersen tipped it away for a corner kick.

And a few minutes later Mosa Lebusa should have put Ajax further ahead when his attempt from close range was well saved by Josephs. For Wits, Buhle Mhwanazi’s tame header just over the crossbar was their last real attempt at goal as the game ended in favour of the hosts.

Ajax Cape Town (0) 1 (Paulse 50’ pen)

Bidvest Wits (0) 0