A brace by Benedict Vilakazi saw Orlando Pirates beat Ajax Cape Town 3-1 in a Castle Premiership match at Newlands Stadium on Wednesday night. Ajax led 1-0 at the interval.
This was supposed to be a showpiece but it turned out to be a vicious affair.
Nathan Paulse netted home a free kick from Brett Evans in the 37th minute to give Ajax a lead.
But the Capetonians were reduced to 10-men in the 21st minute when goalkeeper Moeneeb Joseph was sent off for a high tackle and Innocent Mayoyo, who had a hamstring injury, went on in Joseph’s place.
Ajax were then reduced to nine-men in the 63rd minute when Ashley Opperman was shown the red card.
Referee Brian Sibisi stopped play on three occasions when a Pirates player fell to the ground. Pirates lost Papi Khomane in the 77nd minute when he was sent off.
Pirates’ speedy young players eventually penetrated the solid Ajax defence when Vilakakzi scored in the 75th and 82nd minutes.
Mayoyo played his last game before retiring and brought off several excellent saves.
In extra time Patrick Thwala netted Pirates’ third goal. Sibisi and his assistants were led off the field by security guards. – Sapa