Ajax dump Pirates out of the MTN8 Cup

05 August 2015 - 02:03 By Mark Gleeson

Ajax Cape Town caused the first upset of the new season with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at the start of the MTN8 last night to advance to the semifinals later this month. New signing Ndiviwe Mdabuka scored on debut early in the second half to separate the two sides.Pirates, looking alarmingly fatigued, were hampered by the absence of several injured key players . But the Buccaneers still had their fair share of chances against a side they put 10 goals past last season .This time, however, they were foiled by their over-elaboration in front of goal and some stout goalkeeping by Anssi Jaakkola.Mdabuka's goal came six minutes into the second half after sloppy defending and a fortuitous touch back into the danger zone by Riyad Norodien, whose ball was snapped up by Mdabuka, who finished with aplomb.Pirates made three quick changes after conceding the goal but, despite pinning Ajax back, could not convert.Ajax had their first chance in the opening 10 minutes after a smart interchange of passes that ended with Mdabuka, one of three debutants for the visitors, skying his shot wide.Sifiso Myeni produced Pirates' first effort in the 16th minute but his shot was well saved by Jaakkola.It took another 20 minutes for the next shooting opportunity as Patrick Phungwayo intercepted a stray pass from Abubakar Mobara, played it up to Lehlohonolo Majoro and ran onto the return pass but, by favouring his left foot, allowed Ajax to check his progress.Majoro had a chance of his own at the end of a sweeping move set up by Amigo Memela three minutes before interval, but missed with his left-footed effort.There were chances for Majoro and for substitute Menzi Masuku and right near the end for Mpho Makola, who was let down by his first touch.Pirates had to play without Happy Jele, Kermit Erasmus and Thabo Matlaba but hope to have Jele back at least for Saturday's African Confederation Cup tie against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia...

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