Ajax Cape Town will compete with Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs.

The visitors dictated terms from the offset, but struggled to break down a resolute Ajax outfit, who were content on playing on the counter-attack.

Despite Chiefs’ dominance in possession, there was little goalmouth action to speak of in the first-half, barring a long-range effort from George Maluleka and a toe-poked effort from Urban Warriors defender Roscoe Pietersen.

Both goalkeepers were in excellent form for their respective teams as Briliiant Khuzwayo kept out an effort from Yannick Zakri in the 35th minute.

Ajax Jody February was not to be outdone and made a fine save to deny Gustavo Paez moments before the half-time break.

The two sides went into the half-time break goalless.

Chiefs took the lead seven minutes after the restart of the second-half when Bernard Parker headed home Maluleka’s corner-kick.

Ajax forward Tashreeq Morris should have levelled matters on the hour-mark when he was put through on goal, however he was denied by Khuzwayo.

The home side did grab the equaliser four minutes later when captain Mosa Lebusa rose highest to head home Rodrick Kabwe’s corner.

February made a crucial save in the 66th minute to deny Siphiwe Tshabalala, who should have done better after jinxing his way into the area.

Ajax threw numbers forward in a bid to take the lead and were punished as a result, when Joseph Molangoane found the back of the net from a few yards out after a swift counter-attacking move.

Mushin Ertrugal’s side tried everything they could in the remaining minutes of the clash, but it was not too be with the result leaving them in 15th spot in the table – meaning that they will take part in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs with Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos.

Photo: Backpagepix

-This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za