Ajax Cape Town did just enough to come away with a 2-1 win over Black Aces in an Absa Premiership match at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The visiting side had been the better team in the first half and went into the break 1-0 up thanks to Zamuxolo Ngalo’s early goal. But Ajax stuck to their guns and went on to score twice in the second half through a Nathan Paulse penalty and a Jomo Gumede own goal.

Aces made a positive start to the game and could have been in front after two minutes, but after Dino Ndlovu had squared the ball across the box for Thanduyise Khuboni, the latter’s parting shot from 15-yards out flew over the bar.

More chances followed for AmaZayoni, but Aubrey Ngoma dragged an effort wide before Collins Mbesuma’s chip was caught by Anssi Jaakkola.

As the game moved past the 15 minute mark, Ajax began to create some chances on goal, but Toriq Losper flashed a shot wide of goal after latching onto a loose ball outside the box, before Erwin Isaacs had his header blocked by a defender after a good cross from Cecil Lolo.

With 23 minutes gone, Aces found themselves in front when Jaakkola failed to deal with Mbesuma’s header across goal, leaving Ngalo with an easy header from five yards out.

Ajax’s best chance of the half came on 37 minutes, but they were unable to profit as Tashreeq Morris’ powerful volley flew straight at AmaZayoni keeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

Clive Barker’s side were to have the first chance of the second half, but after a cut-back from Ndlovu, Timm sent his 25-yard drive straight at Jaakkola as again the visiting team showed more fluency in attack.

Substitute Franklin Cale nearly had Ajax back in the game on 52 minutes, but his overhead kick from Isaacs’ cross flew inches wide.

It was from the penalty spot that the home side were to draw level, Nathan Paulse beating Mabokgwane on 68 minutes after Mzwakali had been brought down by Ngalo, right on the edge of the Aces box.

The hosts were to take the lead for the first time in the match when Jomo Gumede slid Mzwakali’s low cross into his own net 11 minutes from time.

The final minutes were fairly comfortable for the Urban Warriors as they enjoyed the bulk of the ball possession and were able to close out the game relatively comfortably.

Ajax Cape Town (0) 2 (Paulse 69’ pen, Gumede og 79’)

Black Aces (1) 1 (Ngalo 24’)

Teams:

Ajax CT: Jaakkola, Lolo, Mobara, Coetzee, Lebusa, Graham (Scott 79’), E Isaacs, Losper (Cale 46’), Mzwakali, Morris (Nkoana 65’), Paulse

Aces: Mabokgwane, Nonyane, Gumede, Gyimah, Ngalo, Timm, Ngoma, Khuboni, Ndlovu (Ndoro 81’), Nale (Ngobeni 87’), Mbesuma