Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 6y

Mamelodi Sundowns stretch lead with win at Ajax Cape Town

Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town on Tuesday, a result that has seen them open up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier Soccer League table.

Ajax took a first half lead through on-loan forward Fagrie Lakay, his first for the club, but their joy was short-lived as Ricardo Nascimento equalised from the penalty spot and just a minute later Sundowns scored again via Sibusiso Vilakazi.

The result leaves Ajax stuck deep in the relegation quagmire and with a massive home fixture to come on Friday against fellow strugglers Platinum Stars. It was also the second game in a row in which they have thrown away a lead.

For Sundowns, it was a welcome three points ahead of their crunch clash with Orlando Pirates at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

Ajax's intentions were obvious from the start as they sat back, looking to catch Sundowns on the break. It almost worked when Lakay got in behind Sundowns right-back Thapelo Morena, but his shot from 20 yards was easy for Onyango.

Lakay did get on the scoresheet after 27 minutes though as he received a pass from Tashreeq Morris from a quick freekick. The former Bafana Bafana international held off Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha and fired low past Dennis Onyango.

Their joy was short-lived though as Lakay then gave the ball away near the Sundowns box and the visitors swept up the field before Isaac Nhlapo was adjudged to handled the ball in his area. Nascimento is a cool customer from the spot and he made no mistake.

That rattled the home side and, within a minute, Sundowns were in front as Vilakazi scored from close-range.

Ajax did have their chances to draw level in the game as Lakay shot wildly over after Onyango had only parried Morris' original shot, while at the other end Percy Tau showed some sublime skill to work a shooting chance in the box, but put his effort wide of goal.

^ Back to Top ^