/ 15 May 2004

Sundowns, Ajax draw in exciting match

In an excellent game of soccer at Newlands, struggling Sundowns played above themselves to share the points with Ajax Cape Town in a 2-2 draw after being ahead 1-0 at interval.

The game was hard and extremely fast with both teams giving 100%. Sundowns attacked with plenty of players, but were quick to come back into defence.

Sundowns were fortunate in the 10th minute when Serge Dikilau slipped and allowed Clement Mazibuko to run down the middle and his shot hit the crossbar.

Two minutes later Brent Evans took a free kick from 20m and put over a low cross to Cyrille Mubiala headed in, but he was adjudged to be off-side.

In the 24th minute Daniel Madau ran through a square defence, but his shot also came off the crossbar. Three minutes later Evans passed to Bradley August up front, but from 5m his shot missed the near upright.

In the 45th minute Evans pushed through to Anele Zibi whose powerful shot from 10m gave Andre Arendse no chance.

In the 60th minute sub Nathan Paulse broke through, but his shot was well held by Arendse.

At the other end Madau’s shot was brilliantly saved by Moenieb Josephs.

The visitors drew level in the 64th minute when Madau centred and sub Lukas Sebona, with his first touch of the ball, scored.

Three minutes later Ajax went ahead when Mulekewi Kanku outran the advancing Arendse, rounded him and casually slotted home.

Sundowns were level in the 81st minute when Godfery Sapula, who was at least 2m offside, scored.

Ajax players objected and ran to the far side to remonstrate with the assistant ref, who stood his ground.

At the end of the game he was escorted off the field as was the referee. — Sapa