Arrows send Ajax deeper into relegation trouble

Stars (17 points) below them, they are cutting it rather close at the moment. In short, if Ajax don’t pick up points – and quickly too – the ignominy of either relegation or a promotion play-off could be a real possibility.

Ajax aren’t playing too badly, though. They just aren’t making their possession and scoring opportunities count. Even against Arrows yesterday, they were their own worst enemies in defeat.

A shocking error from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen allowed Arrows in for the winning goal from the penalty spot – and, then, in the second half, when Ajax were the dominant team, they were unable to capitalise as they lacked the creativity to find a way through the opposition’s defence.

It was a case of mixed fortunes for Petersen, going from the sublime to the ridiculous. He pulled off a magnificent save to deny Arrows striker Lerato Lamola from scoring, but, a few minutes later, he misjudged a regulation cross from Limbikani Mzava. It was extremely windy at the ground, so perhaps the swirl played a hand in Petersen’s error, but, really, at this level, he should be taking that into consideration. When the ball rolled loose from the keeper’s error, Lamola was first to react, but he was fouled by Ajax skipper Mosa Lebusa, for which the penalty was awarded. Mzava powered the ball into the net, and that was it for Ajax. They were just unable to get back in it. Despite opportunities for Lebusa, Tendai Ndoro and Yagan Sasman, the Cape side had to be content with yet another defeat.

It makes this week’s fixtures extremely important for coach Muhsin Ertugral and his men. There is no room for error when they host SuperSport United at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm) and then take to the road to tackle Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.