The Castle Premier Soccer League derby between Ajax Cape Town and Santos at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday ended in 1-1 draw. Both goals were scored in the second half.
Ajax supporters were surprised to see Moeneeb Josephs in goals, as he had been suspended for six months for an alleged drug offence because of his asthma pump.
Ajax management received confirmation on Wednesday afternoon that he was cleared to play. It was just as well, as Josephs pulled off some outstanding saves to deny Santos all the points.
The game was played at a furious pace and it was one of the better games seen in Cape Town this season.
Ajax opened the scoring in the 59th minute when Bryce Moon centred and, from 6m out, Mulekelayi Kanku scored.
Santos were on level terms in the 82nd minute when substitute Carlo Scott, who has missed several good chances this season, broke through and his powerful shot easily beat Josephs.
In the 33rd minute, Robert Nauseb’s corner kick from the right was punched clear by Josephs as Dipsy Selolwane came charging in.
A minute later at the other end, Brent Carelse broke though down the centre and Brenden Wardle did well to come out and clear.
Santos missed a chance in the 38th minute when Romano Scott centred and the ball went to unmarked Omar Hendricks. But from just 8m out, he kicked over the crossbar.
Shortly after the interval, Franklin Cale’s 20m free kick was brilliantly saved by Wardle and a minute later it was Josephs’s turn. He tipped Marawaan Bantam’s free kick from the edge round the corner as he dived to his left. — Sapa