SuperSport United must have been kicking themselves last night when a player they decided not to sign scored one of the goals that knocked them out of the MTN8.

Daine Klate, whose demands were just too high for Matsatsantsa, scored for his new club Bidvest Wits in extra-time before striker Henrico Botes struck a cracker to seal a 3-1 win for the Clever Boys as they joined Ajax Cape Town in the semifinals.

A night that started with so much promise for Wits, thanks to a third-minute goal from Sibusiso Vilakazi, threatened to end in disappointment.

First Jeremy Brockie equalised just before the hour and the hosts' defender Buhle Mkhwanazi was sent off after a second bookable offence. But United also had a man sent off, Kingston Nkhatha, for dissent.

Wits then pounced on their poor defending with two quick-fire goals in extra time to get their 2015/2016 campaign off to a flyer.

Without a trophy since they won the Nedbank Cup in 2010, Wits are hoping coach Gavin Hunt can bring success in his third season at the club.

It took Elias Pelembe three minutes to make an impact for his new team, Wits. He went on one of his famous runs on the flank, cut into play before slipping the ball into the path of Botes, who set up Vilakazi.

The latter gave Wits the lead with a shot that deflected off a United player. The hosts took the lead into the break, but it was the visitors who established an early foothold in the second period. Mkhwanazi was then sent off for a challenge on Brockie, but Nkhatha followed him to the dressing room after having a few words to say to referee Victor Gomes.

Klate headed home the second nine minutes into extra time, and Botes sealed the tie with a long-range effort.