Last-Gasp Ajax Stun Dinaledi

15 February 2012

ABSA Premiership

Teams: Ajax CT v Platinum Stars

Date: 15 February

Venue: Cape Town Stadium

Referee: Victor Gomez

Three goals in the dying minutes of the match gave Ajax Cape Town a superb come-from-behind 3-2 win over Platinum Stars where both sides were reduced to ten men at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night.

Sibusiso Msomi and Thuso Phala put Dinaledi two goals up, but Lebogang Manyama, Matthew Booth and Cecil Lolo all netted to give the home side an unlikely three points.

Despite the early pressure from the home side, it was Platinum Stars who found the net first on 20 minutes when Sibusiso Msomi fired in the goal from the edge of the area.

The match took a turn on 38 minutes when Ajax were dealt a major blow as Tafadzwa Rusike was dismissed for a foul and abusive language.

Dinaledi looked to capitalise on the man advantage straight away and Thuso Phala tried his luck from range on two occasions, but both shots failed to force a save out of Ajax goalkeeper Sander Westerveld.

The former Liverpool shot-stopper was, however, called into action early in the second period when Thuso Phala threatened with a corner. At the opposite end, substitute George Akpabio and Grandwald Scott both managed produce shots which forced saves from Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Stars striker Nathan Paulse should have put his side two goals to the good just before the hour mark, he saw his header fly just left of Westerveld's goal.

The second goal did eventually come with 23 minutes remaining as Phala slotted Robert Ngambi's cross into the net.

However, with two minutes remaining on the clock Ajax pulled one back from the spot when Nyawuza Ntsikelelo brought Billiat down inside the area and received a red card for his efforts. Manyama stepped up and drilled the goal home and then two minutes into stoppage time Billiat found Booth from a short corner and the lanky defender slotted the equaliser before Billiat struck the post in the final seconds with Lolo drilling home the rebound to secure the points.

Adidas Adizero F50 Moment: With the points looking firmly in the hands of the visitors, Nyawuza Ntsikelelo lost his nerve with two minutes to play and brought down the dangerous Khama Billiat in the area to get himself sent off and concede the goal which provided the necessary hope for Ajax to get back into the match.

Ajax CT: Sander Westerveld, Cecil Lolo, Nazeer Allie, Matthew Booth, Aidan Jenniker, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Grandwald Scott (Cole Alexander 70), Tafadzwa Rusike, Brent Carelse (George Akpabio 45), Khama Billiat, George Maluleka (Lebogang Manyama 72).

Subs: Sean Roberts, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clint Julius,Brett Evans.

Platinum Stars: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Mbhuyiselo Sambu, Thibiso Semenya, Elias Ngwepe, Lucas Thwala, Thuso Phala, Lindokuhle Mbatha (Innocent Mkhabela 88), Sibusiso Msomi, Nyawuza Ntsikelelo, Patric Molefi Malokase (Robert Ngambi 65)( Mduduzi Nyand 77), Nathan Paulse.

Subs: Jackson Mabokgwa, Phelelani Mpangase, Vuyo Mere, Chiukepo Msowoya.

Goals: Sibusiso Msomi (Platinum Stars, 21), Thuso Phala (Platinum Stars, 67), Lebogang Manyama (Ajax, Pen 88), Matthew Booth (90), Cecil Lolo (90).

Red Cards: Tafadwa Rusike (Ajax), Nyawuza Ntsikelelo (Platinum Stars)