Ghampani Lungu’s late volley sends Orlando Pirates into MTN8 semi-finals

Orlando Pirates reached the MTN8 semi-finals after new signing Ghampani Lungu struck in the final moments of extra time to secure a 2-1 victory over Durban City on Saturday afternoon.

The defending champions appeared to be heading towards a penalty shootout at Orlando Amstel Arena, but Lungu produced a superb volley that flew into the top corner to settle an entertaining quarter-final.

Abdeslam Ouaddou made one change to the side that defeated Milford the previous weekend. Nkosikhona Ndaba replaced Deon Hotto at left-back, a position where the league champions regularly rotated players last season.

Durban City had been notably defensive on their previous visit to Orlando Amstel Arena, but they adopted a more adventurous approach under Ben Khalil Youssef. The visitors looked to attack on the break during the opening stages and attempted to exploit spaces behind the Pirates defence.

The home side gradually took control, with Camren Dansin and Patrick Maswanganyi influencing the contest in midfield. Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi offered width and creativity from the respective flanks as Pirates increased the pressure.

Pirates eventually found a way through 10 minutes before half-time. Moremi won a penalty after being fouled by Brooklyn Poggenpoel, who was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

Maswanganyi took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted, giving Orlando Pirates a 1-0 lead despite Durban City having started the match with an attacking intent.

Images from Pirates’ victory are available in the gallery above.

Durban City did not retreat after the interval, even though they were playing with 10 men. Their persistence was rewarded when Gaston Sirino moved into the penalty area and picked out Jean Lwamba, who finished from close range beyond Sipho Chaine to level the score.

Youssef’s side continued to look dangerous after the equaliser and did not appear overawed by their numerical disadvantage. They repeatedly moved the ball forward and supplied Tashreeq Morris in the box, forcing Ouaddou to make changes in an effort to restore control.

The Pirates manager introduced Boitumelo Radiopane and Kabelo Kgositsile, and the substitutions helped the hosts raise the tempo. Kgositsile’s pace, combined with Moremi’s movement, pushed Durban City deeper into their own half.

That pressure led to a series of deliveries into the 18-yard area, although Pirates were unable to create a clear opportunity to beat Asare during the latter stages of normal time.

Durban City defended resolutely with 10 players and managed to take the match into extra time. As the possibility of penalties grew closer, the visitors appeared to have done enough to force the tie to a shootout.

Lungu had other ideas. The new arrival met the ball with a powerful volley that sailed into the top corner, sparking celebrations from the home side and sending Orlando Pirates through to another MTN8 semi-final.