Nathan Paulse’s 23rd minute penalty was enough to see Ajax to a 2-1 aggregate win, after an incident that also saw Wits right back Siyabonga Nhlapo sent off.
The Urban Warriors could even afford a late missed spot kick from Cecil Lolo, saved by Moeneeb Josephs, and still progress.
Wits dominated possession in the early stages, without really looking like breaking down an Ajax side that seemed set up to hit the Clever Boys on the break.
In the third minute a Daine Klate cross was flicked on by Henrico Botes, and Onismor Bhasera somehow put the ball over the bar from close range. The Zimbabwean defender was probably more relieved than anyone that the offside flag was up anyway.
For Ajax, Riyaado Norodien sliced a shot horribly wide after five minutes, but Roger De Sa’s side were battling to get their passing game going, despite the excellent surface at Bidvest Stadium.
In the 16th minute, Henrico Botes’ cross found its way to the back post, where Elias Pelembe’s shot was too weak and easy for Urban Warriors ‘keeper Anssi Jaakkola.
