Ajax-Chiefs match in the balance
After a 0-0 draw in Johannesburg, Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chiefs will meet for the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal with the epic clash very much in the balance.
The match is on Saturday evening at the Cape Town Stadium, kick-off is at 20h15.
Cape Town fans will be hoping for an open and exciting game because the first leg was not the brightest game between these two exciting teams.
Both defences were solid and tried not to give anything away.
Former Ajax defender Dominic Isaacs had this to say: “We (Chiefs) have a positive approach towards the game and this is as good as starting afresh because there have been no goals scored by either of the teams so far.”
Isaacs went on to say that Amakhosi are feeling positive of getting a good result in Cape Town.
As hosts one would expect Ajax to be favourites, especially given their proud home record. But this is cup football and everybody knows that Chiefs have a strong cup history.
The Urban Warriors have won five games to the Amakhosi’s four in 15 league and cup encounters in the Mother City since 1999/2000.
Ajax beat Chiefs 1-0 in a league game the last time these two met in Cape Town, with Brent Carelse scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.
Ajax’s star striker, Khama Billiat who played so well in that particular game, believes the Urban Warriors can beat Chiefs.
The Zimbabwean told the media: “If we continue where we left off in Johannesburg [against Chiefs] and on Wednesday [against Santos in the Cape Derby] then why can’t we beat Chiefs? We are playing well as a team and we believe we can win,” Billiat said.
Billiat echoes his coach, Maarten Stekelenburg’s comments. The Dutchman is also very positive and told the media that he believes Chiefs will come out and attack, which will give his side a chance to find holes in their defence.
Both teams are in good form. Ajax come off a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Santos at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday evening and Billiat was the goal scorer.
Chiefs are the only team in the league to have claimed three straight wins and top the League table.
Josta Dladla has found some form having scored three goals already. Likewise, new signing Lehlohonolo Majoro has also netted three with both players scoring in Chiefs’ 2-1 win over Bidvest Wits at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.