SuperSport United defeated Maritzburg United 2-0 in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final  at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The encounter got off at a frightening pace with both sides intent on breaking the deadlock.

SuperSport took the lead in the 14th minute when Jeremy Brockie headed in Aubrey Modiba’s cross, with Maritzburg guilty of some poor defending.

Fadlu Davids’ side did not sit back after conceding the opener, as they upped their efforts at finding an equaliser, but they were often let down by their final ball into the area.

Thuso Phala came agonisingly close to doubling his side’s lead in the 30th minute when a fine counter-attacking move resulted in him finding some space behind the Maritzburg defence, but the winger’s subsequent effort flew inches wide of the posts.

Maritzburg were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men when Siphesile Ndlovu’s horrorible over-the-ball challenge caught Grant Kekana on the ankle, but the referee gave Ndlovu a yellow for his efforts.

SuperSport doubled their lead and took a 3-1 aggregate lead moments before the half-time break as Kekana’s long ball into the area was met by Teboho Mokoena, who headed into the path of Brockie who in turn found the back of the net with a fine header.

Maritzburg did everything they could in a bid to reduce the deficit, but for all their efforts, SuperSport looked a solid outfit that appeared tough to break down.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side when substitute Yazid Atouba was shown his second yellow card.

SuperSport played out the remaining minutes of the encounter with ease as they booked their spot in the MTN8 final.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix