Urban Warriors academy graduates come up big in five-goal thriller

Ajax Cape Town beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 3-2 in the opening game of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion/ relegation playoffs at Rand Stadium on Sunday.

Following a goalless first half, the game jumped into life after the break with the Urban Warriors ultimately emerging victorious.

Eleazar Rodgers opened the scoring two minutes into the second-half. The veteran forward beat Simon Mamudzidi to Thendo Mukumela’s cross and nodded home with a trademark finish to register the first goal of the playoffs.

TTM levelled matters in the 58th minute. Tommy Mandlazi brilliantly picked out Thembisani Nevhulamba who was left with the easiest of finishes before Tebogo Thangwane powered home from a corner-kick to give the Limpopo club the lead three minutes later.

Calvin Marlin duly introduced Sonwabile Mfecane and Kegan Johannes off the bench and the club’s academy graduates made the desired impact off the bench.

Mfecane restored parity with a rasping shot from the edge of the area in the 79th minute before Johannes hit home what proved to be the winner five minutes later. The young defender pulled away from his marker before striking home a sweet volley straight from a corner-kick.

TTM had a late chance to steal a point, but Cohen Stander cleared Thangwane’s attempt off the line as the Urban Warriors now turn their attention to Black Leopards who they face at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

Ajax Cape Town (0) 3 (Rogders 47′ S.Mfecane 79′ Johannes 84′)
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (0) 2 (Nevhulamba 58′ Thangwane 61′)

Ajax Cape Town: Hengelman; Stander, Mahamutsa (Johannes 65′), Sibande, Mukumela, Mkhize, Kabwe, Margeman, Butsaka (S.Mfecane 65′), Mosiatlhaga (Mosadi 59′) [K.Mfecane 84′], Rodgers.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila: Mamudzidi; Mashele, Mabotja, Nyadombo, Thangwane, Makhubu (Amoojee 46′), Mbandlwa (Mandlazi 46′), Masegela (Hlongo 46′), Ndlondlo, Mokoena, Nevhulamba.