Clinton Larsen believes his side have an even chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup despite Bloemfontein Celtic's dismal record at Ajax Cape Town.
Celtic have not won at Ajax in 15 years and now face off against the Urban Warriors in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
But their recent good form - the weekend's 3-0 loss at Polokwane City notwithstanding - has buoyed the team and Larsen is hopeful of breaking that awful run.
"We have a 50/50 chance of going through. We are in decent form and I think it will be a close encounter," Larsen said yesterday.
"We were hoping for a home draw, to be honest, we are very strong at home and are starting to get the support back in the stadium. But at least we do have an opponent that we know very well, even if they are always quite tricky to play."
Larsen believes his players will know what to expect from Ajax, who have been formidable at home this season.
Saturday's loss at City was a first in seven matches, and Larsen will hope it is nothing more than a minor blip. They had won their previous five matches in all competitions and gone six games without conceding a goal, making them one of the form teams in the top flight.
Ajax have lost just once at home this season, beaten 1-0 by Kaizer Chiefs.
Larsen upbeat despite facing Ajax
Clinton Larsen believes his side have an even chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup despite Bloemfontein Celtic's dismal record at Ajax Cape Town.
Celtic have not won at Ajax in 15 years and now face off against the Urban Warriors in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
But their recent good form - the weekend's 3-0 loss at Polokwane City notwithstanding - has buoyed the team and Larsen is hopeful of breaking that awful run.
"We have a 50/50 chance of going through. We are in decent form and I think it will be a close encounter," Larsen said yesterday.
"We were hoping for a home draw, to be honest, we are very strong at home and are starting to get the support back in the stadium. But at least we do have an opponent that we know very well, even if they are always quite tricky to play."
Larsen believes his players will know what to expect from Ajax, who have been formidable at home this season.
Saturday's loss at City was a first in seven matches, and Larsen will hope it is nothing more than a minor blip. They had won their previous five matches in all competitions and gone six games without conceding a goal, making them one of the form teams in the top flight.
Ajax have lost just once at home this season, beaten 1-0 by Kaizer Chiefs.