Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town played to a one-all draw in an Absa Premiership clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening. Amakhosi opened the score thanks to an Edward Manqele goal in the second half, but the Urban Warriors managed to equalise soon thereafter.

Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela brought in Ivan Bukenya to try to cancel out the threat of Ajax striker Nathan Paulse, who is strong in the air. George Lebese started on the bench after the knock he received against Tuks in midweek. He was replaced by Edward Manqele.

Chiefs went on the offensive from the word go, putting pressure on the opponent’s defence. At a packed Cape Town Stadium, the first real chance came Ajax’s way in the 15th minute, when Manqele’s cross from the right reached Camaldine Abraw. The Togolese striker hit the ball well, but the Urban Warriors goalkeeper was alert, making a fine save from close range.

The visitors kept on being the more positive side during the first half. Reneilwe Letsholonyane was spraying the ball around nicely, often to Manqele, whose off the ball runs were excellent and creating confusing to the Ajax defence.

Ajax became slightly better towards the end of the first half, without getting any real goal scoring opportunities. Instead, it was Tsepo Masilela who nearly put the ball in the back of the net, getting a shot at goal from range, but the Urban Warriors goalkeeper was alert, working the ball away with his fists.

The first half ended as it began, with no goals scored, even though Chiefs were the better team.

Amakhosi tried to continue their dominating style of play in the second half, but Ajax played slightly different, using more often the flanks, which created danger at times. Still, the Urban Warriors never really threatened goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse during the first hour of play.

Another good attacking play came in the 65th minute. In the end, it was Letsholonyane who passed the ball inside the Ajax box to Siphiwe Tshabalala, who shot at goal. The ball bounced via an Ajax player in front of Manqele, who knew how to finish, 1-0.

It was a fully deserved goal, as Amakhosi had the upper hand for the most of the game, creating numerous chances.

However, Ajax didn’t give up. They bounced back, scoring the equaliser in the 70th minute when Paulse headed in a corner, leaving Pieterse no chance. It was a big set-back to Chiefs and a bit of unfortunate as well.

The visitors had an excellent opportunity to score their second goal in the 81st minute. Siboniso Gaxa made a well-timed run on the right flank, kicking the ball into the box, towards George Lebese, who had come on as a substitute for Manqele. The winger, however, failed to put the ball into the back of the net.

In the end, no more goals were scored. Chiefs played well, but couldn’t find the second goal. On the other hand, the Urban Warriors came back strongly in the second half, after the Amakhosi had dominated the first ninety minutes of play.

Chiefs have now 10 points from six games (two wins, four draws) and are in fourth position on the log.

Amakhosi’s next game is the Telkom Knockout Last 16 clash against Platinum Stars at the Moruleng Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 4 October (kick-off is at 15:00).

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Manqele 65’)

Ajax Cape Town (0) 1 (Paulse 70’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Gaxa, Mathoho, Bukenya, Masilela; Manqele (Lebese 73’), Katsande, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Parker (Mthembu 89’), Abraw (Maluleka 84’)

Ajax Cape Town: Jaakkola; Lolo, Mobara, Coetzee, Lebusa; Mzwakali (Scott 93’), Graham, Mdabuka, Norodien (Cale 84’): Paulse, Losper (Isaacs 74’)