Ajax desperate to claim three points against Stars

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 26, 2018. 10:14

Ajax Cape Town will be desperate to claim the three Absa Premiership points up for grabs when they host Free State Stars at Cape Town Stadium on 26 January 2018, kick-off at 20h00.

Ajax suffered a fourth loss from their last five league matches when they were beaten 1-0 at rivals Cape Town City in a heated derby on January 20. The team in red and white have lost all four of the league matches against their ‘Mother City’ rivals.

The Urban Warriors have claimed 14 points from nine home matches this season. All four of their season wins have arrived as hosts, including their last home match, a crucial 3-1 victory over fellow relegation candidates Platinum Stars earlier this month.

Stars saw their four-game winning streak ended on January 20 when they were beaten 3-0 at home by Maritzburg United. It was the Free State side first home loss since being beaten by Mamelodi Sundowns back in September.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed 10 points from eight away matches this season. Their last game on the road was a 1-0 win at Bidvest Wits earlier this month and one of their three away victories this term.

In head-to-head stats, Ajax and Stars have met in 29 league matches since 1999/2000. Ea Lla Koto have claimed 14 wins compared to seven for the Urban Warriors, while eight matches have been drawn. The Cape side has won seven of 14 home league matches in the rivalry, suffering three defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Stars claimed a 2-0 home wins thanks to goals from Edward Manqele and Mohammed Anas. Ea Lla Koto are unbeaten in their last four league matches against the Urban Warriors.

Ajax’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to City on January 20: Petersen, Lebusa, Booysen, Ouattara (Sasman 75'), Kammies, Takwara, Malepe, Mdabuka, Julies, Morris (Lakay 58'), Ndoro.

Stars’ line-up from their 3-0 loss to Maritzburg on January 20: Sangare, Mashego, Teyise, Keita, Mobbie, Makhaula (Manqele 63’), Masehe, Maphakisa (Hlubi 75’), Jantjie, Tchilimbou, Mthembu (Anas 57’).