Menzo: ‘The team deserved more against AmaZulu’

Ajax Cape Town head coach Stanley Menzo cut a frustrated figure following the Urban Warriors 2-2 draw against AmaZulu at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.

Having watched his side race into a 2-0 lead following goals from Masilake Phohlongo and Tashreeq Morris, the hosts would squander a catalogue of chances before a late surge from Usuthu.

Former Ajax Cape Town favourite Mabhuti Khenyeza nodding home a 95th minute equalizer to rescue a point for the visitors.

Having bossed most of the encounter, the stalemate felt more like a defeat as the Urban Warriors were made to rue their failure to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

“I think the team deserved more,” said Menzo in the aftermath. “We had chances to increase our lead, but failed to do so. We simply weren’t clinical enough as they pushed forward more and more in the close stages.

“Disappointed with the result ,yes, but proud of the way the team played for most parts, considering we hadn’t played a competitive game for over three weeks.

Menzo continued: “We have to work on seeing out the final few minutes. It is not only one thing, it is sad for the players who worked hard for 85 minutes. A bit of luck and we would’ve been 3-0 up.

“We could have scored more. I believe in this team.

‘Scara’ emerged as a real beacon of light for the Urban Warriors in what would ultimately pan out to be a a disappointing evening, with the left-footed attacker guiding home his maiden goal for the club’s First Team.

Having risen through the ranks at Ikamva, Phohlongo was given a start by Menzo following a good run of form in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) – an opportunity the wing-wizard took with both hands as he dazzled the home crowd.

“I am very happy for him and the team, in that he adds something different to the squad,” Menzo added.

“He worked hard for it and performed well in the MDC for us, he is training well and I thought that he did really well. It is good that you have someone extra who can contribute with goals,” the former Dutch international concluded.

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