Orlando Pirates edge Durban City in extra-time thriller to begin MTN8 defence

Orlando Pirates took a step towards defending their MTN8 title for a fifth successive year after Gamphani Lungu struck in the final minute of extra time to secure a 2-1 win over 10-man Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Lungu had only recently entered the match as a substitute when he produced a remarkable finish from inside the penalty area, ending a contest which appeared destined for a penalty shootout after the sides were level at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

The result came in the opening quarter-final of the competition and maintained Pirates’ pursuit of another MTN8 trophy, having won the title in each of the past four years.

Pirates made a hesitant start under Abdeslam Ouaddou, with their early attacks lacking accuracy and urgency. Durban City offered little going forward, however, and the home side gradually began to take control.

Thalente Mbatha came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute when his powerful effort from distance flew narrowly over Fredrick Asare’s crossbar.

Eight minutes later, Pirates went even closer. Maswanganyi delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Yanela Mbuthuma made contact, but his close-range effort drifted only inches wide of the upright.

The breakthrough arrived from the penalty spot in the 37th minute. City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel, already booked, brought down Tshepang Moremi after his attempt to recover from an under-hit back-pass ended with him conceding a foul inside the area.

Referee Alfred Chavani showed Poggenpoel a second yellow card and sent him off. Maswanganyi then calmly sent Asare the wrong way to put Pirates ahead.

The numerical advantage looked set to give the defending champions greater control, but they were punished soon after the interval. Six minutes into the second half, some poor defending allowed Durban City to equalise.

The visitors worked their way into the area down the left, where former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino combined with former Orlando Pirates right-back Bandile Shandu. Sirino then supplied Jean Lubumba, who finished from close range.

With players still building their fitness at the start of the season, both managers turned to their benches. Khalil Ben Yousef, the former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach, replaced Sirino with Samkelo Maseko shortly after the equaliser.

Ouaddou responded just after the hour by introducing Kabelo Kgositsile and Boitumelo Radiopane for Oswin Appollis and Mbuthuma.

Kgositsile, one of the players promoted to the Pirates first team this season, almost restored the hosts’ lead within minutes of coming on. His header from a Camren Dansin cross missed the post, before Asare denied Moremi with a save four minutes before the match moved into extra time.

The additional 30 minutes appeared to be heading towards a goalless conclusion, despite continued pressure from Pirates. City defended in numbers and frustrated a home side still adapting to its new season, including recent arrivals such as Lungu.

The substitute eventually decided the tie in the 119th minute, firing home from inside the area and sending Pirates through while City were left to reflect on a spirited performance despite playing with 10 men.

The victory also underlined the challenge facing Pirates as they adjust to the departure of important players, including Relebohile Mofokeng, the PSL’s Player of the Season and a key creative influence for the club over the previous two campaigns.

Orlando Pirates (1) 2 Patrick Maswanganyi (penalty, 37 minutes), Gamphani Lungu (119 minutes)

Durban City (0) 1 Jean Lubumba (51 minutes)

Red card: Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City)

Extra time played