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Johannesburg - United FC eliminated fellow First Division contenders African Warriors from the Nedbank Cup with a 3-2 win in a thrilling quarter-final clash at Moruleng Stadium, outside Rustenburg, on Sunday.
Tshwarelo Bereng got United on the scoresheet in the 13th minute with a super left-footed strike from outside the area, which he placed perfectly in the top left corner.
The hosts had an opportunity to stretch their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark, but Mahlatse Makudubela, charging in on a through ball, stumbled at close range with only the keeper to beat and pushed the ball wide.
Makudubela had a similar chance just before the break, sliding in on a through ball, but he shot straight at Warriors goalminder Siyabonga Mbatha.
And while United retained their 1-0 lead at the interval, the visitors struck back two minutes after the break when Lindani Buthelezi picked up the ball from a long cross, rounded two defenders and scored the equaliser, giving United keeper Bongani Mpandle no chance.
Midway through the second half, United had two more attempts, but Conrad Madolo tipped the ball straight to Mbatha and Kenneth Makgothi fired his effort more than a metre wide.
Three goals were scored in the last 20 minutes, as the home side struggled to hold their lead, with Warriors fighting to stay in the game.
Madolo received a pass from Siyabulela Shai in the 70th minute, turned square and chipped the ball in to put the hosts back in front.
Six minutes later the visitors nearly equalised again but Mpandle produced an excellent save to deny Buthelezi his brace.
Seconds afterwards, however, Shai stretched the lead after a long run, with only the keeper in his path, cleverly flicking the ball past a stranded Mbatha.
Sibusiso Mokoena scored a penalty for Warriors with 11 minutes remaining, but United, the only second-tier side left in the knockout competition, held on to book their place in the semi-finals.
