Supersport United came back from the brink of defeat to eliminate Wits University from the lucrative SAA Supa 8 Cup competition by a narrow 6-5 win on penalties at the Olympia Stadium on Saturday.
Their suburban derby was a dull affair played before an almost-capacity crowd.
The Students, who missed a golden opportunity to appear in the final of a Cup competition — something that they last did nine years back — led 1-0 at half-time.
They looked like the match winners after seeing the back of the net via Alois Bunjira, who converted a cross from Reagan Noble in the 45th minute.
But United’s never-say-die attitude saw them come back strongly and their mounting pressure paid dividends when Mozambican international Manuel ”Tico Tico” Bucuane equalised in the 79th minute.
The former Jomo Cosmos striker was fed a through pass by Dale Studzinski.
While his goal brought life to United, it seemed not to deter the Clever Boys, who regrouped towards the dying moments.
They should have reclaimed their lead but were let down by late substitute Elasto Kapoweza and Gareth Devine in the 86th and 89th minutes respectively.
Kapoweza’s shot from a clear chance shaved the woodwork while Devine’s shot was off the target.
United were reduced to 10 men after Calvin Sibeko was shown his marching orders after a foul on Noble at the stroke of full-time.
The game was characterised by strong winds that made it impossible for players to control the ball and the match had to be decided by penalties.
The last time Wits appeared in a final was when they won both the Coca Cola and BP Cups in 1995. — Sapa