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

Ghampani Lungu scored in the final moments of extra time as Orlando Pirates survived a dramatic challenge from 10-man Durban City to win 2-1 and reach the MTN8 semi-finals at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The defending champions looked set to pay for failing to put the game beyond their opponents after Durban City equalised despite playing with 10 men for most of the contest.

But substitute Lungu struck in the 120th minute to settle a compelling quarter-final and send the home supporters into celebration. The match report records the goal as coming in the 119th minute.

Patrick Maswanganyi had earlier given Orlando Pirates the lead from the penalty spot, while Jean Lwamba brought Durban City level shortly after half-time.

The visitors were reduced to 10 players in the 35th minute when midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel lost control of the ball inside his own penalty area.

Tshepang Moremi took advantage of the error and moved into the box, where Poggenpoel brought down the Orlando Pirates attacker. The referee awarded a penalty and dismissed Poggenpoel.

Maswanganyi took responsibility for the spot-kick and converted calmly to put Orlando Pirates in front.

With Durban City down to 10 men, the Buccaneers began to dominate possession and controlled much of the match in front of their home crowd. They created nine chances in the first half, but could not extend their lead before the interval.

That failure to add a second goal kept Durban City in the contest.

Orlando Pirates also suffered an injury setback at half-time when captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was forced to leave the field. His departure appeared to affect the hosts’ defensive organisation and encouraged Durban City to believe they could still recover.

The visitors drew level eight minutes into the second half. Gaston Sirino produced excellent work on the wing before delivering the opportunity for Lwamba, who arrived inside the penalty area to tap the ball home.

Orlando Pirates responded by applying greater pressure, but Durban City defended resolutely and repeatedly denied the defending champions a decisive second goal.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Durban City held on throughout the rest of normal time to force extra time. The longer the match continued without a winner, the greater the possibility of a major upset became.

Orlando Pirates continued to search for a breakthrough, but penalties appeared increasingly likely as the additional 30 minutes neared its conclusion.

Lungu, however, had the final say. His late strike ended Durban City’s resistance and secured Orlando Pirates’ place in the last four.

The result keeps Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side on course to defend their MTN8 title and maintain their hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive season.