United started the game on the back foot as Cosmos surged forward from the first whistle.

But as the half progressed the Team of Choice began to grow stronger and had some good chances.

One saw Michael Morton’s first time left-footed shot going straight at Avril Phali, the keeper also doing well to get off his line quickly to deny Diyo Sibisi on the half hour mark.

Prince Olomu missed a decent chance, when unmarked, he headed well wide of goal.

Phali then pulled off a breath-taking save to push Mor Diouf’s thunderous free kick onto the bar.

Luck was not on United’s side as Sibisi’s header bounced up and hit the woodwork.

But three minutes before the break and the hosts finally got the goal their attacking play had deserved when Diouf powered home a header from Felix Obada’s corner kick.

United remained on top after the break and made it 2-0 after 63 minutes when Obada’s shot from 22-yards out was deflected past a helpless Phali.

After the goal United were comfortably able to control proceedings as they took control of ball possession.

But with 13 minutes left Elhaj Samb pulled a goal back for EzenKosi as he stroked home from 12-yards after Alton Meiring’s cut-back.

Less than two minutes later and Maritzburg were on the score-sheet themselves as Olomu outstripped the Cosmos defence before beautifully slotting past an on-rushing Phali.

In the dying seconds Michael Morton came close to giving away a penalty, but his tackled was judged to have taken place just outside the box. United survived the free kick and soon after the whistle blew to signal the crucial three points.