Sundowns upstage Ajax Cape Town

MAMELODI Sundowns have opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Absa Premier Soccer League standings after they came from behind to beat relegationthreatened Ajax Cape Town 2-1 at the Cape Town Stadium last night.

The home side took the lead midway through the first half via Fagrie Lakay, his first for the club since a loan move from SuperSport United.

But two goals in a minute shortly afterwards from Ricardo Nascimento, via the penalty spot, and Sibusiso Vilakazi with his first league goal in 11 months, gave the Brazilians some breathing space at the top of the league. They have now played the same number of games as second-placed Cape Town City, with their four-point advantage at the top of the table a true reflection of their position in the title race.

Ajax remain second-bottom of the league with 13 points from 16 games.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made two changes from the side that was beaten 3-2 at Polokwane City in their previous game, replacing Anele Ngcongca with Thapelo Morena, and bringing in Vilakazi in the place of George Lebese.

Ajax handed a debut to former Sundowns midfielder Samuel Julies, one of four changes from their weekend defeat to Maritzburg United that also saw Sirgio Kammies, Isaac Nhlapo and Rodrick Kabwe brought into the side.

Sundowns applied all the early pressure, but battled to create clear-cut chances as Ajax got plenty of men behind the ball.

The home side looked to catch Sundowns on the break and almost succeeded when Lakay got in behind Morena, but his shot on the run from the edge of the box was easy for Dennis Onyango in the visitors’ goal.

Some quick thinking led to them opening the scoring on 27 minutes though.

Tashreeq Morris took a quick free-kick after being fouled and Lakay outmuscled Madisha, before shooting low past Onyango into the opposite corner.

There was some doubt as to whether the ball was stationary when Morris played it, but referee Daniel Bennett allowed the goal.

Sundowns kept on applying the pressure and a flowing move involving Percy Tau resulted in a penalty.

Nascimento converted from the spot.