Orlando Pirates edge Durban City in extra-time MTN8 thriller

Orlando Pirates moved closer to a fifth consecutive MTN8 title 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.

The holders appeared to be heading towards a penalty shootout after the quarter-final had finished 1-1 following 90 minutes. But Lungu, introduced as a late substitute, produced an outstanding finish from inside the area in the 119th minute to send Pirates through.

The result keeps Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side on course to retain the trophy they have won in each of the past four years, although they were made to work hard by a spirited Durban City team in the first of the last-eight matches.

Pirates began nervously and their early attacking play lacked sharpness. Durban City offered little threat in the opening stages, but the home side were unable to make their possession count until Thalente Mbatha tested goalkeeper Fredrick Asare with a powerful effort from distance in the 20th minute. The shot flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Eight minutes later, Pirates came close again. Yanela Mbuthuma met a well-delivered cross from Maswanganyi, but his close-range effort missed the post by just a few inches.

The pressure eventually brought a reward when City lost a player to a red card and conceded a penalty.

Brooklyn Poggenpoel, already booked, brought down Tshepang Moremi in the area after realising his attempted back pass was too weak to reach Asare. Referee Alfred Chavani showed Poggenpoel a second yellow card before Patrick Maswanganyi calmly sent Asare the wrong way from the spot to give Pirates the lead in the 37th minute.

The numerical advantage did not produce the sustained dominance Pirates might have expected. Instead, Durban City equalised only six minutes into the second half after poor defending allowed Jena Lubumba to finish from inside the penalty area.

City created the opening down the left through former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino, who combined with former Orlando Pirates right-back Bandile Shandu. Sirino then supplied Lubumba, who tapped the ball home.

Both teams made changes as players continued to build their match fitness early in the season. Khalil Ben Yousef, the former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach, replaced Sirino with Samkelo Maseko shortly after the equaliser.

Pirates responded after the hour by bringing on Kabelo Kgositsile and Boitumelo Radiopane for Oswin Appollis and Mbuthuma. Kgositsile, one of the players promoted by Pirates this season, almost restored the hosts’ lead soon after entering the match, but his header from Camren Dansin’s cross went just wide.

Asare then kept City level by saving Moremi’s effort four minutes before the game entered extra time.

The additional 30 minutes initially appeared to be heading towards penalties, despite Pirates repeatedly testing the visitors’ defence. Durban City defended in numbers against a Pirates side still developing its rhythm, particularly with new arrivals such as Lungu adapting to the team.

Lungu, who may need time to fill the substantial void left by Relebohile Mofokeng, the PSL’s Player of the Season and a key Pirates playmaker during the previous two campaigns, settled the contest with his last-gasp strike.

Orlando Pirates 2-1 Durban City

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

Durban City: Jena Lubumba (51 minutes)

Half-time: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Durban City

Red card: Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City)

After extra time