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Johnson still cracking the whip

Pretoria - Following his side's come-from-behind victory over Ajax Cape Town on Saturday, SuperSport United coach Cavin Johnson is hoping they can improve in the Telkom Knockout Cup competition.

United went behind early in the match, courtesy of an own goal from defender Edwin Gyimah. United hit back nine minutes later and then went ahead in the 27th minute, to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Knockout competition.

"I think we scored good goals but we can get better," Johnson said after the game at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

"I thought we played good football in the first half, but we could have played better football in the second half."

Ajax took the lead three minutes in through Lance Davids, who scored somewhat fortunately, after his shot deflected off Edwin Gyimah's outstretched leg.

But the visitors' celebrations were short-lived, as Matsatsantsa drew level in the 13th minute, when Sibusiso Khumalo received a ball outside the area, steadied himself and directed a left-footed effort toward the far post. The shot beat goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola and the ball neatly snuck inside the upright.

Johnson admitted Ajax's opener could have been prevented, but a defensive lapse allowed Davids space and time to get his shot away.

"I thought it was a game of two halves. For sure Ajax were the better team in the second half," Johnson said.

"They pressed us higher and we couldn't keep the ball.

"The (Ajax) goal was a lucky goal.

"My players didn't push up on to Lance Davids and he got a shot at goal."

Ajax boss Muhsin Ertugral was frustrated by his outfit's performance, adding that his players were aware of the threat Matsatsantsa posed on attack.

"We know that this team (SuperSport) is a counter-attacking team.

"After certain situations where they win the ball, they get into our zones very quickly," Ertugral said.

"We spoke about these issues and we conceded a goal on the counter-attack from our own free-kick.

"Their second goal… I don't know what was happening with our defence."

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