A LATE penalty from Josef Lekata saw African Warriors defeat fellow National First Division campaigners Milano United 1-0 at the Charles Mopeli Stadium yesterday and advance to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup.

Warriors dominated the first half, enjoying a greater share of possession and creating more scoring opportunities, though their final pass and/or shot often left much to be desired. Vincent Pule gave an early warning of their willingness to shoot on sight, sending a well-struck long-range effort just wide of the target in the very first minute of the match.

However, Milano goalkeeper Wensten van der Linde was rarely called into action, making only one notable save when he dived low to scoop away a header from Koloko Mokhethi in the 34th minute.

The visitors, Milano, started the second half strongly and substitute Auguston Leonard had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 52nd minute, but he shot just over the crossbar from within the penalty area.

Twenty minutes later, former Free State Stars and Black Aces right-back Rudiger Gilbert let fly from long range and saw his shot flash just off target, with Warriors goalkeeper Vusumuzi Magagula scrambling to try and get a hand on it.

On the 79th minute, Warriors attacker Lekata got onto the end of a good cross from the right and must have thought he was about to score when he placed a header on target, but Van der Linde made an excellent save. With just seven minutes to play, Juaid Sait tripped Pule in the area to give away a clear penalty. Lekata took on the responsibility to put Warriors ahead.