Ajax teach Clever Boys a lesson

Ajax went through 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

 

Ajax were awarded two penalties on the day, but on the second occasion it was Wits goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs who pulled off the save to thwart Cecil Lolo’s attempt from the spot in the 86th minute. Still, Wits had struggled to find a goal after they were reduced to 10 men in the 25th minute of the contest when Siyabonga Nhlapo was given his marching orders.

 

Ultimately, it would be the resultant penalty score which would prove the difference between the sides and set-up a clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the competition for the Cape side.

 

Wits were close to the perfect start in the second minute. With the ball sent into the area Onismor Bhasera found an unmarked position but from close range inexplicably directed his effort over the crossbar.

 

Ajax were awarded a penalty with Toriq Losper going down in the area and Nhlapo was given a straight red card for bringing down the player in a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Up stepped Nathan Paulse to convert from the spot to make it 1-0 to the visitors in the 25th minute.

 

Not content with their lead, Ajax midfielder Bantu Mzwakali tried his luck from range but his effort was directed wide of the target.

 

Daine Klate attempted to level the scores in first half injury time, but his free kick from just outside the area was tipped over by Anssi Jaakkola in the Ajax goal.

 

Wits midfielder Elias Pelembe went for goal from range in the 50th minute but his left-footed strike swerved just over the crossbar.

 

Ajax spurned a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 52nd minute, when Paulse was left with just Josephs to beat, but pulled his shot off-target when scoring appeared easier.

 

In the 63rd minute, the hosts put together a flowing move at pace with the final ball falling to Onismor Bhasera but the player sent a rocket into the crowd.

 

Josephs pulled off a brilliant save in the 76th minute diving at full-stretch to deny Paulse’s powerful strike.

 

Later it would be Ajax who were awarded their second penalty and though they could not convert, they had done enough to secure passage to the final.

 

ANA