Ajax, Sundowns fire blanks
Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns called it honours even at Cape Town Stadium after each side failed to break the deadlock to end their Absa Premiership game with a goalless draw.
Both teams came into the game in desperate need for a win and their nerves were evident when they got off to a cautious start.
Eleazar Rodgers made the first effort at goal when he headed at the near post in the 7th minute but it caused no trouble for Sander Westerveld.
Granwald Scottt was playing a more advanced role in the field and he took a shot from outside the box but his 16th minute effort was skied into the stands.
Ajax were handed a set piece 24 minutes in to the game in which Toriq Losper curled an effort around a defender to see Wayne Sandilands make a good save off it.
There was a nervy moment in Ajax’s backline once again when Westerveld fumbled a shot by Teko Modise to fall straight into his path but it was well intercepted by Nazeer Allie in the 37th minute.
Edward Manqele nearly got on the scoresheet for Sundowns when his low 49th minute shot rolled under Westerveld and onto the upright, much to the relief of the goalkeeper.
Ajax started to spring into life and they thought they had found the back of net through Lebogang Manyama from a Bradley Grobler through ball, but it was flagged for offside in the 57th minute.
The perfect chance fell for Grobler to break the deadlock when he received the ball on the edge of the area and only needed to beat Sandilands, but his volley saw his effort go wide at the far post, just after the hour mark.
With ten minutes remaining Johan Neeskens looked to add more firepower upfront by replacing Anthony Laffor for Nyasha Mushekwi, before a fatigued Grobler made way for Alcardo van Graan.
Neither side could find the equalizer in the final three minutes of the game to see them wrap up a very exciting goalless draw.
Ajax Cape Town 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 0
Ajax: Westerveld, Hlatswayo, Booth, Allie, Jenniker (Lebusa 55’), Shabalala, Billiat, Scott (Dolly 74’), Losper, Manyama, Grobler (Van Graan 84’)
Sundowns: Sandilands, Daniels, Masanemela, Mabasa, Schut, Nyandoro, Pelembe, Modise, Laffor (Mushekwi 80’), Rodgers (Langerman 84’), Mnqele (Shongwe 67’)
