From the word go Maritzburg looked mentally fit and Mohammed Anas was the bravest one to take the first shot for Clive Barker’s side but he missed the target.
Then veteran Sipho Mngomezulu also responded with a shot for Ezenkosi but he too missed the target, and Cosmos almost took a lead through Thabo Ralebakeng soon after.
In the 43rd minute Siyabulela Shai gave the home team a lead with a great shot from range after an assist from Philani Zulu.
Then in the 45th minute Thato Sithole made things worse for Cosmos as he received a red card for a studs-up challenge.
In the second half Maritzburg continued to dominate the ten men of Cosmos and in the 50th minute Charlton Mashumba almost made it double for United, but Tawfeeq Salie made a good save.
But in the 55th minute Lentjies extended the score to 2-0 after his team received what looked to be a soft penalty.
Mohamed Anas came close into extending the score to 3-0 but Naiker made a good save in the 71st minute.
Cosmos equalised when Frederic Nsabiyumva got a slight touch with his head following a free kick by Cheslyn Jampies in the 75th minute.
As much as Cosmos tried to find the equaliser things didn’t work their way as Maritzburg booked their spot in the next round.
Teams:
Maritzburg United
Salie, Mngonyama, De Jongh, Shai (David Booysen 84’), Mekoa D, Zulu, Pantsil, Hartog, Lentjies ( Bandile Shandu 70’), Onyango and Anas
Jomo Cosmos
Naicker, Mngomezulu, Mthembu, Nsabiyumva, Ralebakeng (Wiseman Maluleke 73’), Sithole, Monare, Makobela, Macuphu (Bamuza Sono 83’), Mhone (Cheslyn Jampies 45’), Mashumba