Ajax Cape Town did themselves no favours in their bid to move away from the relegation zone as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Free State Stars on Friday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The home side looked the more lively in the opening exchanges and were unfortunate not to take the lead through a vicious effort from Tercious Malepe in the 11th minute, but the Stars goalkeeper, Badra Ali Sangare had it covered.

Debutant Yannick Zakri should have opened the scoring for Ajax when he latched onto a well-weighted through pass by Fagrie Lakay, however the Ivorian could not find the back of the net.

The home side continued to dominate proceedings and as Zakri fired another effort wide of the mark a few minutes later.

Muhsin Ertugral opted for the first change of the game as Tashreeq Morris came on in place of Samuel Julies. The substitute came close to opening the scoring, but his long-range effort went wide of the mark.

Stars almost broke the deadlock with ten minutes left on the clock as Nhlanhla Vilakazi hit the woodwork with a curling effort from just outside the box.

Neither side were able to find the much-needed winner as the two sides were forced to settle for a point.

Ajax XI: 1. Petersen, 25. Kammies, 5. Lebusa, 30. Booysen, 3. Pietersen, 15. Sasman, 8. Margeman, 29. Malepe, 44. Zakri, 42. Julies, 41. Lakay.

FS Stars XI: 23. Sangare, 2. Mobbie, 29. Phungwayo, 22. Keita, 28. Mahamutsa, 5. Masehe, 50. Vilakazi, 27. Tchilimbou, 18. Potsane, 11. Jantjie, 21. Mthembu.

Photo: Chris Ricco/Backpagepix

-This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za