Lungu strikes late as Pirates reach MTN8 Semis
Ghampani Lungu scored in the final minute of extra time as Orlando Pirates beat 10-man Durban City 2-1 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday to reach the MTN8 semi-finals.
Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Jean Lwamba equalised for City in the second half. Lungu then scored in the 120th minute to decide the quarter-final.
Pirates had the first clear opportunity in the 20th minute when Thalente Mbatha’s long-range effort was saved by Durban City goalkeeper Fredrick Asare.
Maswanganyi then delivered a cross from the left eight minutes later, finding Yanela Mbuthuma at the far post, but the striker could not direct his attempt on target.
Pirates took the lead in the 37th minute after Poggenpoel was penalised for a challenge on Tshepang Moremi inside the penalty area. The City midfielder, who had already been booked, was shown a second yellow card and sent off.
Maswanganyi converted the resulting penalty to put Pirates 1-0 ahead.
City, despite playing with 10 men, levelled seven minutes after half-time. Gaston Sirino took advantage of a mistake in the Pirates defence before setting up Lwamba, who finished from close range.
Pirates continued to look for a second goal as the match progressed. Moremi tested Asare with a low shot in the 87th minute, while substitute Kabelo Kgosietsile was unable to convert the rebound after John Mokone intervened with a block.
The scores remained level after 90 minutes, sending the quarter-final into extra time.
Pirates created further chances during the additional period, with Moremi hitting the woodwork and Boitumelo Radiopane forcing another save from Asare.
The decisive moment came in the final minute of extra time.
Following a corner, Sbangani Zulu was unable to make clean contact with his header, with the ball falling to Lungu. The Pirates substitute struck a volley past Asare in the 120th minute to give his side a 2-1 victory.
The goal was Lungu’s first for Pirates and secured their place in the MTN8 semi-finals.
Pirates will return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday, 12 August, when they travel to face AmaZulu. Durban City will host Golden Arrows on the same day.
