/ 20 March 2008

Ajax stumble against Stars

Ajax Cape Town dropped two points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Platinum Stars side in an Absa Premiership clash at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night.

Ajax started the game well and had an early chance when Russell Mwafulirwa fired in a volley from the edge of the area, which drew a good save out of Stars keeper Wayne Sandilands.

Phumudzo Manenzhe enjoyed a rare opportunity for Stars early on, bit his header lacked the power and accuracy to trouble Ajax shot-stopper Hans Vonk.

But it was the Urban Warriors who continued to look more threatening up front, and after chances to Nathan Paulse and Nhlanhla Shabalala, the hosts took a 26th-minute lead when Enoh Eyong struck with a low shot into the far corner of the net from just outside the area.

Despite being outplayed for most of the half, the Tycoons drew level a minute before the break when Tshepo Ramakala managed to get the ball into the back of the net after a cross from the right.

Mwafulirwa was presented with the best two opportunities in the opening stages of the second half, but was off target with his header in the 49th minute and then fired over the bar from 12 yards out in the 63rd minute.

While Ajax had more than their fair share of possession as the game progressed, they lacked the cutting edge up front to penetrate a stubborn Stars defence and had to settle for a solitary point from a game they dominated. — Sapa