Makhaula’s late goal dashes Ajax hopes

ROGER DE SAwill have to haul out all his motivational skills after Ajax Cape Town crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Free State Stars in the PSL in Bethlehem last night.

With Ajax now having to prepare for the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round, against Angolan side GD Sangrada Esperanca at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm), coach De Sa knows his team will need a major pick-me-up.

Last night, Ajax, after a gritty display in keeping out a strong late surge from the Free Staters, conceded a 90th minute goal.

Ajax were able to field both Rivaldo Coetzee and Mosa Lebusa last night. The influential defensive duo both missed the Capetonians’ last match – a 3-2 win over Polokwane City – and, with Ghanaian centre-back Lawrence Lartey suspended, it was crucial that De Sa had them available.

As it turned out, their presence was important in a tight, bruising contest. From the opening whistle, tackles flew in, with in-form Ajax striker Prince Nxumalo a marked man and singled out for some rough treatment.

Ajax couldn’t find a way beyond a resolute and gritty Stars defence early on. At the other end, the Free Staters were gradually getting on top, and proved to be effective during their attacking forays – Coetzee, Lebusa and Aidan Jenniker had to be at their very best to ensure the score remained goalless.

De Sa brought on veteran winger Franklin Cale for Tashreeq Morris. Winger Cale recently returned to training after an operation on his cheekbone, and the 32-year-old played with a face mask.

Cale, though, had an immediate impact on proceedings and made his presence felt when he went close from a free-kick.

Stars finished stronger and created a few opportunities, but Ayanda Nkosi, Makhehlene Makhaula (pictured), Danny Venter and Paulos Masehe couldn’t take advantage.

But, just as it seemed that Ajax would hang on, a lapse in concentration allowed Makhaula to net a sensational winner.