Orlando Pirates return to winning ways
Orlando Pirates defeated Ajax Cape Town 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night after leading 1-0 at halftime.
Pirates made the early running, creating few half-chances, but failed to capitalise. With Ajax struggling to contain the Buccaneers, things were further complicated when striker Nathan Paulse had to be replaced as early as the 15th minute. After Paulse and Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa collided, the Capetonian went off with a fractured wrist and was replaced by Prince Nxumalo.
With Ajax forced to reshuffle, Pirates quickly made the most of the opportunity. Thamsanqa Gabuza powered a header wide in the 14th minute and, three minutes later, the powerful forward was foiled by a great block from goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola.
Jaakkola, though, was the culprit in the 20th minute when Pirates scored after a silly error from the Finnish keeper. He failed to deal with a simple back pass from defender Rivaldo Coetzee, with the keeper allowing the ball to slip under his feet as he tried to control it.
It was a moment of comedy from Jaakkola, though Ajax coach Roger de Sa would certainly not have found it amusing at all.
Pirates had another opportunity to score three minutes later when Thabo Rakhale was through on goal, but the winger shot wide.
The Soweto team then lost midfielder Thabo Qalinge to injury in the 28th minute, with Mpho Makola coming on in his place.
Makola soon had a chance to score, as Pirates continued to put pressure on Ajax, but the substitute, with only Jaakkola in front of him, kicked a hole in the air as he tried to take a shot at goal.
And, just before half-time, Jaakkola proved his real worth to the Ajax team with a magnificent double-save from Thandani Ntshumayelo and Ntsikelelo Nyauza to deny Pirates from going further ahead.
Two minutes into the second period, it was 2-0 when Gabuza streaked down the left flank and crossed for Sifiso Miyeni to slot in from close range.
With 25 minutes to go, Ajax finally sprang to life and pulled one back when Nxumalo capitalised on an error from defender Edwin Gyimah and stabbed the ball into the net. The Cape side dominated the closing stages, but couldn’t find the inspiration to fashion an equaliser. - ANA