An equalising goal by Ajax Cape Town's Franklin Cale denied Golden Arrows the full three points as both teams played to a 1-1 draw at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Although Andile Fikizolo netted first for the hosts in the first half, they failed to hold onto their lead and allowed the visitors to bounce back and settle for a draw.

Coming from their 2-2 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax took the game to their hosts as early as the fourth minute when Cale unleashed a shot towards goal, but Nkosingiphile Gumede was alert between the posts to make a diving save.

Two minutes later, the Urban Warriors exchanged good passes, allowing Nathan Paulse to take a shot but Chris Katjiukua blocked the attempt.

Clinton Larsen’s men took time to settle down in the contest and committed fouls towards the 10th minute, however, in the 17th minute they were awarded a penalty when Cale fouled Kudakwashe Mahachi in the box.

The referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot and Fikizolo converted the penalty, beating Anssi Jaakkola to garb the lead.

But their celebration didn’t last long as Cale equalised two minutes later. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United winger grabbed the goal following an assist from Erwin Isaacs in the 19th minute to bring Roger De Sa’s men back into the game.

It was 1-1 at half time and the hosts came back oozing with confidence as Rodney Ramagalela tried to beat Jaakkola, but the Finland-born net-minder collected with ease.

After six minutes into the second stanza, Toriq Losper sent in a dangerous cross looking for the experienced Nathan Paulse, who attempted a free header but it sailed over the posts over crossbar.

In the 64th minute, the hosts intensified their probe for a lead and Mahachi tried to put his side ahead as he took a shot, but he missed to the right of the target.

With 11 minutes to go, Namibian international Deon Hotto gave Jaakkola something to work on, but the net minder made a save and the last 10 minutes of the match didn’t produce clear cut chances.

However, with one minute to go, Bantu Mzwakali nearly bagged a win for the Capetonians as he saw his shot saved by the keeper.

In the wake of the stalemate, Abafana Bes’thende move to position five with 21 points from 13 matches and the Urban Warriors occupy the 11th spot with 13 points.

Golden Arrows (1) 1 (Fikizolo 18’ pen)
Ajax Cape Town (1) 1 (Cale 19’)

Arrows: Nkosingiphile, Sikhakhane, Mathiane, Katjiukua, Zitha, N. Cele, Shitolo (Molefe 81’), Mahachi, Fikizolo (Sibeko 68’), Ramagalela (Khenyeza 58’), Hotto

Ajax: Jaakkola, Mobara (Mabaso 46’), Lartey, Coetzee, Lebusa, Graham, Norodien, Losper (Mzwakali 88’), Paulse, E. Isaacs (Mdabuka 79’), Cale