THULANI Serero not only started but scored the opener as Ajax Amsterdam defeated Kamohelo Mokotjo's PEC Zwolle 2-1 in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday.

Serero missed national team duty with Bafana Bafana against Botswana last weekend, claiming he felt stiffness in an old groin injury, but trained all week with Ajax and was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes against PEC.

Ajax had revealed in the week that he had a slight abdominal muscle tear, but had no problem with his groin. He will now hope to be in the Ajax side that takes on Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday.

Mokotjo also played the full game for PEC, who remain top of the table despite the defeat.

Kagisho Dikgacoi had a bad day out at Old Trafford as he gave away a penalty and was red carded in the first half of Crystal Palace's 2-0 loss to Manchester United.

Dikgacoi can feel aggrieved though, it was certainly a contentious spot-kick decision as he appeared to win the ball in a challenge with Ashley Young, who had earlier been booked for diving in another clash with Dikgacoi.

The Bafana midfielder now faces a three-match ban, unless the Eagles successfully appeal his dismissal.

Steven Pienaar was injured and did not take part in Everton's 1-0 home win over Chelsea. Bongani Khumalo turned out for Doncaster Rovers in their English Championship 0-0 draw at Huddersfield.