Kimberley - Ashley Hartog’s first half strike saw a 10-man SuperSport United beat United FC to progress to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup at the GKW Stadium here on Sunday.
Both teams began the match positively with action from one end to the other, with SuperSport United coming closest to scoring through Sibusiso Zuma.
The former Bafana Bafana skipper unleashed a powerful shot which Nimrod Tsengwa saved to deny Zuma the opener in the 7th minute.
Moments later the visitors nearly scored, this time Thabiso Nkoana’s goal-bound shot was acrobatically stopped by Tsengwa.
Gavin Hunt’s charges finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, Hartog heading home a Tebogo Langerman cross to ensure Mantsantsa the lead.
The Kimberly team nearly levelled matters two minutes later but David Radebe put his effort wide with only goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez to beat.
Langerman, who earlier set up Hartog’s goal, came close to getting his own, but his shot went over the bar in the 44th minute with goalkeeper Tsengwa a beaten man.
Veteran striker Radebe was at it again in 45th minute. However, the former Kaizer Chiefs man refilled his effort wide.
In the second half SuperSport coach Hunt introduced Jabu Maluleke for Edwin Gyimah.
Although Radebe had fluffed a number of chances his pace was a handful for Morgan Gould and his fellow defenders in the SuperSport back four.
In the 64th minute SuperSport were reduced to ten men, referee Jerome Damon sending off John Arwuah for a dangerous tackle on Kanono.
Hunt's men nearly made it 2-0 in the 85th but Langerman again ballooned the ball over the bar after being set up by Zuma.
The referee added 4 minutes of injury time and United FC had goalkeeper Tsengwa to thank for his sterling performance in goal.