Ajax earned the opportunity to defend their Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup title after beating ASD Academy 1-0 to reach the final in a hard-fought semi-final played at Erica Park in Belhar on Sunday.

Ajax Cape Town earned the opportunity to defend their Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup title after beating ASD Academy 1-0 to reach the final in a hard-fought semi-final played at Erica Park in Belhar on Sunday.

The Young Urban Warriors will meet 2009 champions, Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue on Monday afternoon to determine who will emerge victorious in this, the 26th edition of the popular event.

Justin Jacobus struck the all-important winner for Ajax early in the first half and they managed to hold ASD at bay for the remainder of a match that at times threatened to boil over, such was the commitment and determination of both sets of players to reach the final. Sundowns and Old Mutual Academy were evenly matched throughout normal time and could still not be separated after a further 16 minutes’ extra time. With the match ending goalless, it was left to the lottery of penalty kicks and the Brazilians managed to hold their nerve to win a tense shootout, 5-4.

The quarterfinals, played earlier in the morning, also produced the same level of passion and commitment as the eight teams battled to keep their hopes of glory alive. ASD Academy beat Bidvest Wits, 3-1, courtesy of goals by Rushine De Reuck, Chadwin Petersen and Dillon Goss. Sandile Motladile replied for the Students from the penalty spot. Two goals by Old Mutual Academy forward, Clint Fredericks cancelled out Melcolm Meyer’s opener for Glendene United to give them a 2-1 win. A first half goal from Jason Skippers was enough to see Sundowns through against Hellenic, while Ajax Cape Town and Santos were deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of extra time. Fagrie Lakay had put The People’s Team ahead before Charlton Basson equalised for Ajax, who squeezed through 5-4 in the resulting penalty shootout.

Monday’s programme features the Plate Final between Senoane Gunners and Harmony Academy at 09h00, followed by the Mid-Section Final between Bidvest Wits and Glendene United at 11h45. At 13h00, the Final of the Strandfontein U-13 Youth tournament will be contested between Maties and Fish Hoek. Local performers will entertain the public through to the Final, which kicks off at 15h00 and will be followed by the hand-over of the championship trophy and the presentation of awards.

Results:

Quarterfinals

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Hellenic

Ajax Cape Town 1-1 Santos (Ajax win 5-4 on penalties after extra time)

Old Mutual Academy 2-1 Glendene Utd

ASD Academy 3-1 Bidvest Wits

Semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Old Mutual Academy (Sundowns win 5-4 on penalties after extra time)

ASD Academy Ajax Cape Town

Plate Semi-finals

Senoane Gunners 2-1 Ethekwini Academy

Beau West City 1-3 Harmony Academy

Mid-Section Semi-finals

Hellenic 1-2 Bidvest Wits

Glendene Utd 1-0 Santos Academy