Ajax Cape Town
Anssi Jaakkola 7
He could have easily spent 90 minutes of the match smoking a cigar while reading a newspaper as Chiefs failed to take a single shot on target, but stood up when it mattered most – with a world-class save in time added on to deny Willard Katsande.
Cecil Lolo 7
Lolo was by far Ajax’s best player in the first half as his runs caused havoc for Chiefs’ defence. Also showed his defence qualities with a great tackle to deny Reneilwe Letsholonyane midway through the second half.
Aboubakkar Mobara 7
Marshalled the defence superbly and was hardly troubled by the ineffective Siphelele Mthembu and Bernard Parker.
Rivaldo Coetzee 7
Put himself under unnecessary pressure with a very early yellow card, but looked cool and composed for the rest of the game.
Mosa Lebusa 8
The left-back had one of the best games of his career and was unlucky when his goal was disallowed for offside. His set-pieces were pinpoint throughout the match.
Ndiviwe Mdabuka 7
The Ajax rookie went toe-to-toe with veterans Katsande and Letsholonyane and rarely put a foot wrong. Solid in the tackle and his hard running forced the Chiefs players into mistakes.
Bantu Mzwakali 7
Another rookie who looked like a seasoned pro, especially the pressure he put the likes of Siboniso Gaxa under. Was replaced near the end after working his socks off.
Travis Graham 7
Nothing fancy, but a good professional performance by the Ajax captain. Protected the two centre-backs and combined well with Mdabuka.
* Paulse 8
Paulse showed his experience and outsmarted the Chiefs defence, as Steve Komphela alluded to after the match. He hit the upright and had a great shout for a penalty before the won that he converted. Was lucky not to get a second yellow when he kicked the ball in Chiefs’ bench, but a brilliant performance all-round.
Losper 6
Not a great performance and could have done more in winning second balls from Paulse, who was up-front all by himself.
Norodien 7
Another great showing from the young winger, whose pace caused constant problems for Tsepo Masilela. His legs went towards the end of the game and he was replaced by Erwin Isaacs.
Erwin Isaacs 6
Came on a substitute for Norodien with 17 minute remaining and used his experience to stabilize the midfield and guide the younger players.
Kaizer Chiefs
Itumeleng Khune 6
A great save to keep out Losper’s header and could do very little about the winning penalty. Also beaten to a free-kick by Paulse, but the ball cannoned back off the bar.
Gaxa 6
Had a decent game and tried his best to push forward, but was left exposed by Lebese, who neglected his defensive duties.
Mathoho 4
A very poor match for ‘Tower’. Made a good last-ditch tackle to deny Norodien early on, but was second best to Paulse, and also fouled the striker for the penalty that won Ajax the match. Was lucky not to concede another penalty moments earlier.
Xulu 4
Like Mathoho, he battled to deal with the physical presence of Paulse. Looked out of sorts and still has a long way to go before he can consider himself settled at Chiefs.
Masilela 4
It was a risky move by Komphela to play Masilela, who had just returned from injury. The lack of match-fitness showed as Masilela was constantly being outpaced by Norodien. Also let his emotions get to him when he got involved in a scuffle with De Sa.
Lebese 5
The in-form Chiefs winger looked comfortable going forward and with the ball at his feet, but left acres of space behind for Ajax to exploit. His only decent contribution came in the 49th minute when his great build-up play involving Shabba ended in a dangerous cross being played into the box.
Letsholonyane 5
Looked a shadow of himself and struggled against the young and eager Mdabuka.
Katsande 5
The only Chiefs player to have a shot on target; in the final minute when he was denied by a fantastic Jaakkola save. Battled in the midfield battles against the energetic young Ajax players.
* Tshabalala 6
The best Chiefs player on the field, but that is all relative. Put in a few dangerous crosses, but was uncharacteristically poor with set-pieces. Executed his defensive duties well in front of a shaky Masilela.
Parker 5
Started well enough, but quickly became less influential as he struggled to form any sort of understanding with the ineffectual Mthembu. Replaced by Manqele with 30 minutes remaining.
Mthembu 4
A poor match for the striker, who doesn’t come close to managing a shot at target. Replaced with more than a half-hour to go by Camaldine Abraw.
Abraw 5
Much was expected after his good debut against SuperSport United, but offered very little. One overhead-kick which didn’t trouble Jaakkola.
Manqele 4
Came on for Parker, but hardly had a moment worthy of a mention.