Ajax go down to Sundowns in cup

Ajax Cape Town went down 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup thanks to a stunning strike by Rodney Ramagalela at a windy Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday.

The former Black Leopards marksman’s effort on the hour mark secured Abafana Ba’Style’s progression to the last 16 of the Cup competition.

It is the second season in succession that ‘Downs have knocked out the  Urban Warriors, a Tebogo Langerman strike in extra time secured a 1-0 win for the Brazilians over Ajax this time last year.

Sundowns dominated from the onset and despite playing in unfamiliar windy conditions they looked the more settled on the ball.

Youngster Brandon Petersen, who returned between the sticks for Ajax in place of Anssi Jaakola, made a superb save in the 29^th minute to keep out Teko Modise’s effort before an even better stop seven minutes later to keep out Anthony Laffor.

The Liberian winger cut inside the Urban Warriors defence before unleashing an effort at goal; Petersen though got down well to keep out the former SuperSport United attacker’s dipping effort.

Ajax showed promise either side of the break but it was Sundowns who deservingly took the lead through Ramagalela on the hour mark. The 23-year old played a combination pass with Khama Billiat before directing an unstoppable shot past Petersen with the outside of his boot.

Ajax pushed forward in search of the equaliser in the dying moments but found a determined Sundowns defence standing in their way.

Dominic Isaacs was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence and Eleazar Rodgers had an opportunity to grab the headlines and consequently force the game into extra time in the final play of the game.

The lanky forward made a darting run in behind the defence but could only manage to direct his header wide of goal.

Ajax Cape Town 0

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Ramagalela 60’)

Ajax Cape Town: Petersen, Lolo, Allie, Isaacs, Lebusa, Ernesto, Mobara, Scott (Alexander 66’), Losper (Morris 54’), Dolly, Lark (Rodgers 57’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: Mweene; Mashaba, Schut, Moon, Pelembe, Laffor, Nthethe, Zungu, Modise, Billiat (Sumaila 90+2’), Mashego (Ramagalela 7’ [Nyandoro 80’] )

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