by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Jul 22, 2015. 15:19

Hosts of the inaugural Cape Town Cup, Ajax Cape Town will hope to erase their eTV Charity Cup showdown disappointment and focus on the clash against Sporting Clube de Portugal on Friday night.

Roger De Sa saw his charges beating Jomo Cosmos 2-1 before losing to Mamelodi Sundowns in last week’s one-day tournament in Pretoria, however the match against Sporting is set to test his young squad regarding their readiness for the new season.

Although skipper Travis Graham could be out of the match through injury, De Sa is armed with the experienced Nathan Paulse and Granwald Scott as well as rising stars Rivaldo Coetzee, Bantu Mzwakali and Abbubaker Mobara - players who are expected to play key roles.

“Sometimes we believe that certain players are ready and others aren’t, but when you put them out against probably one of the best teams in the country, the best players, it gives us a chance to measure ourselves, to look at the young boys and see what we’re lacking,” said De Sa.

“We have Sporting Lisbon on Friday night; a nice big one at Cape Town Stadium. The exercise will really help us for the season ahead.”

Looking at the Portuguese giants who have already begun with their training sessions at Athlone Stadium, they have.nothing to say other than that they looking forward to the match.

Club official Joao Gomes said they’re pleased to have an opportunity to be part of the tournament.

“Sporting Clube de Portugal is very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Cape Town Cup," said Gomes.

"We are certain that participation in this tournament will be beneficial for the preparation of the first team for the season 2015/2016.

“We point out that for Sporting to participate in a tournament in South Africa has a special feeling because as early as July 28, 1997 we have a strong bond, the date on which Nelson Mandela became Member of Merit of Sporting Clube de Portugal.”

Coach Jorge Jesus has brought along his big guns including striker, Teófilo Gutiérrez, midfielder João Mário and defender Jonathan Silva to mention but a few.

Ajax and Sporting will contest the second semifinal at 20:15 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, Cape Town Stadium on Friday night. The earlier game will see SuperSport United face Crystal Palace.

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jul 24, 2015. 22:26

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Ajax Cape Town 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the second semifinal of the Cape Town Cup.

Carlos Mane opened the scoring for Sportng before Cecil Lolo netted an equaliser from the penalty spot.

Then Franklin Cale broke away to score a fantastic second for Ajax, but Sporting replied through Ruben Semedo to take the game to penalties.

Sporting netted all four penalty kicks in the shootout while Abbubaker Mobara and Franklin Cale missed for Ajax.

The match started at a high intensity with both teams attacking one another and asking questions of the defence.

In the 19th minute of the match, Carlos Mané gave Sporting the breakthrough as he found the back of the net from close range after a great attacking move from the left.

Sporting tried to push for a second goal, but young Bafana Bafana player Rivaldo Coetzee proved why he is one of the best defenders in the country as he managed to put a stop to several attacks.

In the 29th minute, Bantu Mzwakali came one on one with Rui Patricio, but his shot was pushed wide of the upright

The host team continued to attack and looked a good bet to find an equalizer. But then in the 40th minute Islam Slimani couldn’t make use of the space he had and volleyed the ball way over the bar.

In the second half Riyaad Norodien continued to cause havoc for the Sporting defence with strong runs down the flanks and crosses into the box.

In the 62nd minute, Mzwakali wasted another good opportunity from close range that could have given Ajax an equalizer.

Six minutes later Sporting finally cracked as Ajax were awarded a penalty following a hand ball inside the box. It was Cecil Lolo who took it and made no mistake sending the ball into the back of the net.

In the 80th minute Franklin Cale ran onto a great Toriq Losper through ball and beat the Sporting goalkeeper in a one on one encounter to give Ajax a 2-1 lead.

But just four minutes later Rúben Semedo spoilt the party, finding an equalizer through a header from a corner kick.

The match went straight to penalties and Sporting won the shootout 4-2 and will now meet Crystal Palace in the final on Sunday afternoon.