Jomo Cosmos, who lost 1-0 to Moroka Swallows, were relegated to the National First Division

Ajax were first to threaten when Diyo Sibisi weaved his way through a few defenders in the fourth minute, stabbed a shot at goal, but goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro was up to the task, pulling off a smart save to deny the attacker.

Aces gradually worked their way back into the game and, in the 13th minute, Lehumo Itshegetseng crossed into the penalty area, but Mpho Maleka’s header was skied over the bar.

In the 32nd minute Aces were awared a penalty after Maleka was clipped from behind by Ajax defender Clayton Daniels. TV replays show that it was a clear penalty however Ajax’s Dutch coach Foppe de Haan never saw it that way and his displeasure resulted in him receiving a red card. Thomrick October took the responsibility and calmly stepped up and hit a decisive penalty sending Vonk the wrong way. Octobers first goal of the season brought a huge sigh of relief on the bench.

Bafana star Lance Davids eqaulised in the 41st minute when he struck a free kick through an Aces 4-man. The wall opened and the dipping ball beat Murambadoro who was livid with his defence.

Second Half

Realising the importance of the situation, there was a great deal of commitment from Aces in the second half. Daryl Smith came on for Mmuso in the 46th minute and Aces felt that they had the beating of Ajax. Smiths height and hustling play resulted in Aces dominating the 2nd half.

A quarter of an hour into the second half, October looked to net a second from a free kick but he curled the ball wide of the target.

The two teams struggled to create scoring chances in the tense game, with Aces surely keeping themselves up to date with Jomo Cosmos’ game against Moroka Swallows and what it meant as regards the relegation situation.

in the 80th minute another October free kick found the head of Madoda Motha but the substitute’s effort was straight at Vonk.

A minute before full-time, Aces’ Setjaba Mmuso had a chance, but his attempt was brilliantly saved by Hans Vonk in the Ajax goal.

By this stage, however, news filtered through that the Birds had scored a late goal against Cosmos and Aces’ chances of finishing bottom of the log lengthened significantly.

The game ended in a tame 1-1 draw but Aces were naturally delighted at having been given a second chance to retain their top flight status.

Aces: (4-4-2)
Murambadoro; October, Sithole, Musasa, Dabi; Itshegetseng (Motha 67’), Makoti, Zuke, Masondo (Rantjie 60’); Maleka, Mmuso (Smith 46’)

Ajax: (4-4-2)
Vonk; Allie, Daniels, Shabalala, Davids; Doutie (Scott 69’), Maluleka, Selolwane (Ngobeni 88’), Sibisi; Serero, Paulse (Fofana 85’)