EAST LONDON – Ajax Cape Town recorded their second win in as many matches and added to Chippa United’s relegation fears with a 1-0 victory in an Absa Premiership match at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday.
Following their midweek 2-0 win over Platinum Stars, the Urban Warriors relied on a 79th minute right-footed strike by right wing Thabo Mosadi to ensure that they took the three points on offer.
This was Mosadi’s third goal of the league season.
Ajax striker Prince Nxumalo had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the eighth minute, but had his powerful shot pushed away by Chippa goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi at full stretch.
The forward could also have got on the score-sheet in the 69th minute, but saw his header effort float wide of the post.
Chippa hardly looked like the battle-hardened, much-feared side who are difficult to beat at home, and seldom threatened the Capetonians’ rearguard in the first 45 minutes.
Their best opportunity came in the first half when central midfielder Mbulelo Wambi forced Ajax goalkeeper Brandon Peterson to stretch and save.
— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) May 6, 2017
It is so tight in the league from mid-table down that two weeks ago, Ajax were potential relegation candidates.
Two wins have propelled them to 32 points from 27 matches, and within the top eight teams on the log, although some clubs still have games in hand.
Chippa may well be ruing their management’s decision to place coach Dan Malesela on “special leave” following the club’s poor run of form, which has now seen them without a win in their last 12 league matches, with six losses and six draws.
They remain on 24 points from 27 matches.