Thanda Royal Zulu were no match for Ajax Cape Town, who cruised home to a 5-2 victory at the Newlands Stadium on Thursday night.

The 'Urban Warriors' were on top for most of the half, although they were not able to fashion many clear-cut chances against a determined Thanda defence.

Dipsy Selolwane enjoyed an early chance, but his shot from range was saved by Aubrey Mathibe in goal for the visitors.

Mabhuti Khenyeza was as usual the main threat for Ajax and after coming close a couple of time for Craig Rosslee's men, he opened the scoring in the 39th minute when he headed home Sameehg Doutie's corner at the near post.

For their part, Thanda hardly threatened the Ajax goal and their only two chances of the first half came via Clement Mazibuko and Nkosinathi Nhjeko.

Just before the break the lively Doutie nearly added a second for the Cape side when his 25-yard shot missed by a few inches.

It took the Urban Warriors just five minutes of second half action to add to their tally.

Khenyeza did the trick, slotting home from close range after Doutie had teed up Franklyn Cale's cross into his path.

And six minutes later Thanda's fate was all but sealed when Thulani Serero fired an 18-yard shot into the roof of the net after being located by Doutie's short corner.

Ajax remained in control and could have added a fourth if Eduardo Ferreira had done better to control his shot from right in front of goal in the 60th minute.

On the other hand, Thanda's plight was worsened by the sending off of James Madidilane for a 72nd minute foul on Franklyn Cale.

But the KZN side was at least able to break their duck five minutes before the end of regulation time when July Mahlangu latched onto the ball onside the box before beating Andre Petim.

Ajax's response was however immediate as Serero added his second in the 86th minute to make it 4-1.

The goal flurry continued at the end of the game as Khenyeza completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute before Mahlangu scored seconds before the end of the game.

Sapa

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