SuperSport kept in check by Ajax

at Lucas Moripe Stadium NOT that long ago, SuperSport United head coach Stuart Baxter warned his players about the potential banana skins along the way and indeed, they tripped on one yesterday in Atteridgeville against stingy Ajax Cape Town.

Victory could have seen United back at the top of the Absa Premiership but this stalemate has left them third with 36 points and trailing log leaders Cape Town City by two points.

United have a match in hand but it is against Orlando Pirates away on Tuesday. They have a chance to return to the top if they beat Pirates because City will not be in action on the night.

Yesterday’s costly draw also sees them fail to register their third win in succession which could have been a massive confidence booster as they continue to chase the title.

Meanwhile, Ajax head coach Stanley Menzo welcomed a single point even though they remain 12th on the log.

The Urban Warriors almost had a dream start in the third minute when striker Nathan Paulse’s close-range cross deflected off United captain Dean Furman. The ball went narrowly wide with goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse clearly beaten.

Not long after that, match referee Bafana Mosia stopped play as Ajax goalkeeper Jody February received medical attention after he got injured for his part in a goalmouth melee.

February, 20, was kept busy after the half-hour mark when he moved out of his goal-line to block Mandla Masango’s great effort inside the box, this after the United midfielder was released by Kingston Nkhatha.

A few minutes later, Masango tried to redeem himself but he watched in disbelief as his longrange shot ricocheted off the crossbar with February beaten.

Shortly after restart, United defender Michael Boxall found himself with enough space on the right wing, but he misplaced his cross much to the irritation of his teammates who had outnumbered Ajax defenders.

Ajax came close to taking the lead on the hour mark when midfield star Bantu Mzwakali pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box after United failed to clear, but his curling shot was denied by the upright.

Before Mzwakali’s effort, the two teams had returned from the break with more purpose as United attacked with Furman, Thabo Mnyamane and Reneilwe Letsholonyane. For the Urban Warriors, Mark Mayambela, Thabo Mosadi and Mzwakali were pulling the strings.

In the closing stages, both teams created great chances but none was good enough to go in.