Cape Town - Although it was expected to be a game of high intensity, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Ajax Cape Town played to a disappointing 1-1 draw at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.
First half goals by Andile Fikizolo and Franklin Cale were enough to hand both sides one point apiece, as Arrows move to position five with 21 points from 13 matches whilst the Urban Warriors occupy the 11th spot with 13 points.
Although Fikizolo netted first for the hosts in the first half, they failed to hold onto their lead and allowed the visitors to bounce back and settle for a draw.
Coming from their 2-2 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax took the game to their hosts as early as the fourth minute when Cale unleashed a shot towards goal, but Nkosingiphile Gumede was alert between the posts to make a diving save.
Two minutes later, the Urban Warriors exchanged good passes, allowing Nathan Paulse to take a shot but Chris Katjiukua blocked the attempt.
Clinton Larsen’s men took time to settle down in the contest, however in the 17th minute they were awarded a penalty when Cale fouled Kudakwashe Mahachi in the box.
The referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot and Fikizolo converted the penalty, beating Anssi Jaakkola to grab the lead.
But their celebration didn’t last long as Cale equalised two minutes later. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United winger grabbed the goal following an assist from Erwin Isaacs in the 19th minute to bring Roger De Sa’s men back into the game.
It was 1-1 at half time and the hosts came back oozing with confidence as Rodney Ramagalela tried to beat Jaakkola, but the Finland-born net-minder collected with ease.
After six minutes into the second stanza, Toriq Losper sent in a dangerous cross looking for the experienced Nathan Paulse, who attempted a free header but it sailed over the crossbar.
In the 64th minute, the hosts intensified their probe for a lead and Mahachi tried to put his side ahead as he took a shot, but he missed to the right of the target.
With 11 minutes to go, Namibian international Deon Hotto gave Jaakkola some work, but the net-minder made a save.
With one minute to go, Bantu Mzwakali nearly bagged a win for the Capetonians as he saw his shot saved by the Arrows keeper.