Santos joined Mamelodi Sundowns, Silver Stars and Ajax Cape Town in the lucrative Absa Cup semifinals when they beat Benoni Premier United 1-0 at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night.
The goal was scored in the 68th minute by Eleazar Rogers.
Santos can thank long-time stalwarts Musa Otiena, Edries Burton and Sebastian Bax, who chased everything and did not give the visitors space.
In the eighth minute Rogers moved smartly down the right flank, cut in and put over the perfect cross, which two defenders missed — but there was no Santos striker to receive the cross.
Loke Katleho then shot from 20m out but his strike was well saved by Santos goalkeeper Wayne Roberts.
Six minutes later, Twala Bongane ran down the right, beating two defenders, but his shot hit the side netting.
The second half belonged to the home side as they were all over Benoni, but failed to find the back of the net.
Something had to give and in the 68th minute. from a corner kick, Rogers headed into the back of the net.
Goalkeeper Yobou Mobio, who had brought off several excellent saves before the goal, chased after referee Ace Ncobo to complain that he was impeded. However, he was only booked for his troubles.
Benoni came out firing while looking for an equaliser, but they met stern defending from Santos. — Sapa