Conceding a goal in each half saw Cosmos remain in the relegation zone when they went down 2-0 to Ajax in a Castle Premier League game played at Newlands Stadium on Wednesday night.
Ajax can thank their goalkeeper, Moeneeb Josephs, for the three points. Josephs had an outstanding game.
The home team attacked from the start. In the eighth minute, Seuntjie Motlhajwa moved smartly down the right and cut in but his shot was well saved by ‘keeper Avril Phali. At the other end, Job Magalera’s volley from 25m went just over the bar.
The home side opened the score in the 21st minute, when Nhlanhla Shabalala was brought down a metre outside the box.
Brent Carelse took the free kick and his shot flew into the opposite top corner.
The visitors were now pushing men up, but found the Ajax defence solid, with Josephs marshalling his players well.
In the 42nd minute, Innocent Ntsume thundercracker was turned around the corned by a fully stretched Josephs. A minute later, Josephs dived at the feet on Nkosinathi Nhleko.
Ajax stretched their lead in the 47th minute when a cross from the right was headed home by Shabalala. The Cosmos defenders just stood.
Cosmos was unlucky in the 77th minute when Chris Katongo’s 4m shot was blocked by Josephs, and a minute later he saved another point-blank shot. — Sapa