Cape Town City do the double over Ajax

Aubrey Ngoma (centre) is congratulated by his Cape Town City teammates after scoring the opening goal against Ajax on Saturday. Photo: Chris Ricco, BackpagePix

Aubrey Ngoma (centre) is congratulated by his Cape Town City teammates after scoring the opening goal against Ajax on Saturday. Photo: Chris Ricco, BackpagePix

Published Feb 12, 2017

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They say football in the Mother City is back. Well, you better believe it after Cape Town City swept to the top of the PSL standings with a 2-0 win over neighbours and arch-rivals Ajax Cape Town on Saturday night.

The result saw City do the double over Ajax and, no doubt, club boss John Comitis will be sporting a smile the size of Table Mountain.

The rivalry between the two clubs is a lot deeper than just two teams from the same region. There is genuine animosity between Comitis and the Ajax owners, the Efstathiou brothers. It was the main reason why Comitis left Ajax and subsequently formed his own club – City.

Their arrival as a PSL club has certainly revived football in the Cape. For a long time, especially with Ajax as the sole top-flight representative, and not doing too well over the last few years, there has been a bit of a football hush in the region.

But now with City making waves, in not just winning games but also in playing some great football, there is a real buzz in the Cape again.

FT: Ajax 0-2 Cape Town City FC.

We Talked the Talk! We Walked the Walk!

This city BLUE!!! #iamCityFC #ThisCityIsBlue #iKapaDerby pic.twitter.com/UUhmMLDbRl

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) February 11, 2017

On Saturday night at the Cape Town Stadium, in typical derby fashion, it was a frenetic opening period as the teams tried to gain the early ascendancy.

It was, in fact, Ajax who had the first real opportunity when Ndiviwe Mdabuka swept through a superb pass which put Bantu Mzwakali in the clear.

The attacker rounded City goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters, but central defender Tshepo Gumede provided the cover and was able to prevent the goal with a fine block tackle.

With City surviving the close attempt, they rattled back with a magnificent counter-attack.

Sibusiso Masina sped clear down the right in the 25th minute, played in Lehlohonolo Majoro, who was foiled by a fine save from Ajax keeper Jody February.

However, when the ball fell loose, it rolled to the feet of a gleeful Aubrey Ngoma and his delightful chip sailed into the net to give City a 1-0 lead.

It was again, as has been the case all season, the “Terrible Twins” Ngoma and captain Lebogang Manyama who caused the opposition all sorts of problems – and it needed another great stop from February to deny Manyama in the 35th minute.

But there was no stopping the relentless Ngoma from creating a second goal for City. The winger left his marker for dead and whipped in the cross for Manyama, but Ajax right back Erwin Isaacs, in trying to prevent the danger, only managed to slide the ball into his own net.

Just before halftime, City could have increased their advantage even further, but February came to the rescue again with a brave save to thwart Majoro from scoring.

In a desperate bid to get back into the game, Ajax brought on talented 18-year-old attacking midfielder Grant Margeman at the start of the second half.

Eight minutes later, Ajax were unfortunate not to pull one back when Nathan Paulse powered a header against the upright.

While Ajax had the lion’s share of possession in the second period, and they probed and pressed in search of a goal, they couldn’t find a way beyond the superb shape and defensive organisation of a resolute and determined City team.

So Eric Tinkler’s team march on with yet another victory, and are perched at the top of the log.

It’s still a long way to go, but surely the Capetonians should be in the mix when the race for the PSL title enters the final sprint in a few months’ time?

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@Reinerss11

Independent Media

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