Ajax Cape Town’s late season revival continued apace when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday night.
It makes it three wins on the trot for the Cape side, who are now in eighth position on the PSL standings with 35 points.
It has certainly been a sensational turnaround for Ajax. Just a few weeks ago they were tottering towards the bottom-end of the log and concerned about avoiding an ignominious relegation scrap.
Now, having won four of their last six games, they have rocketed up the table – and, with two games to go to the end of the season, a top-eight finish is definitely within reach.
The confidence that has swept through this Ajax squad in recent weeks was fully on show right from the opening whistle.
The Capetonians swiftly hopped out of the blocks and, with just five minutes gone, they had taken a 1-0 lead.
And what a goal it was! Bantu Mzwakali intelligently put Neo Makua in the clear, and the youngster cut in to create the opening for Prince Nxumalo, who made no mistake with the finish.
Neo Makua of Ajax Cape Town was voted as the Man of the Match against Celtic. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix
Ajax continued to impress with their commitment in attack, and it was no surprise when they increased their lead in the 19th minute. This time Nxumalo turned provider when playing in Mzwakali, allowing the midfielder an opportunity to tap the ball into an empty net.
Celtic, to their credit, refused to simply capitulate and allow the Cape side the run of the Athlone Stadium.
The Free Staters rattled back and tried valiantly to make things happen in attack, and two opportunities ensued for left wing Lyle Lakay. The first attempt was saved by Ajax goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and the second was blazed over the bar by the Cape Town-born winger.
With Ajax happy with their two-goal advantage, they sat back in the second half, allowing Celtic to make the play and come at them.
The Capetonians, though, ensured that their shape and structure were tight and compact, which made it very difficult for the Bloemfontein side to break them down.
Celtic had two chances to get on the score-sheet, but Alfred Ndengane glanced a header wide, while substitute Ayanda Dlamini had an inviting opening, but somehow or other contrived to squander the opportunity.
With there not being much in terms of enterprise or urgency on both sides, Ajax comfortably played out the match and gleefully registered another win, and another valuable three points.