Ghampani Lungu thanks fans after penalty miss in MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates forward Ghampani Lungu has thanked supporters for standing by him after his missed penalty contributed to a 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

The Zambia international saw his effort saved by Ronwen Williams at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, as Pirates missed the chance to recover from Teboho Mokoena’s first-half opener.

Lungu had been one of the standout performers for the Buccaneers during their run to the final, making the missed opportunity particularly painful. He addressed the defeat on social media within hours of the final whistle.

“Yesterday wasn’t the outcome we worked for,” Lungu wrote on Instagram.

“We did our best as a team, but we know there’s more we could have done.

“Football comes with wins and losses, and this is one of those moments to reflect, learn and come back stronger.

“To everyone who has reached out with messages of encouragement and support, thank you. Every message is appreciated, and none of the love goes unnoticed.

“We take the lessons, keep our heads up and continue working.”

Penalty miss changes final

Pirates were attempting to win the MTN8 for a fifth successive season, having lifted the trophy in each of the previous four campaigns. Three of those successes came under Jose Riveiro, while the other was achieved under current manager Abdeslam Ouaddou.

They were given a chance to equalise shortly after half-time when Mokoena brought down Yanela Mbuthuma inside the penalty area. Lungu stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Williams kept out his attempt to preserve Sundowns’ advantage.

Mokoena then added to Pirates’ frustration, and Sundowns held on to secure the trophy while ending the Buccaneers’ four-year reign in the competition.

Pirates turn to league campaign

Ouaddou’s team must now redirect their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they will look to respond to the final defeat on the pitch.

Pirates host TS Galaxy on Tuesday in their next fixture. The match offers them an immediate opportunity to return to winning ways after missing out on another piece of silverware.

The loss to Sundowns ended their run of four consecutive MTN8 triumphs, leaving Pirates to focus on rebuilding momentum in the league.