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Orlando Pirates’ quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title remains firmly alive, but the Soweto giants were forced to go the full 120 minutes before securing a dramatic 2-1 extra-time triumph over a resilient 10-man Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
Ghampani Lungu proved to be the ultimate hero, crashing home a sensational volley in the 120th minute—his debut goal in Pirates colours—to break City hearts and propel the Buccaneers into the semi-finals.
The hosts asserted control early, testing Durban goalkeeper Fredrick Asare through a fierce 20th-minute long-range drive from Thalente Mbatha. Pirates’ mounting pressure paid dividends in the 35th minute when City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel miscontrolled near his own penalty box and committed a mis-timed challenge on Tshepang Moremi. Having already been booked, Poggenpoel received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the visitors with ten men. Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up to coolly convert the resulting spot-kick in the 37th minute to give Pirates the lead.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Citizens delivered a gutsy response. Seven minutes into the second half, Gaston Sirino capitalized on a defensive error before teeing up Jean Lwamba to finish from close range and level the contest at 1-1.
Pirates pressed aggressively for a regulation winner, coming closest in the 87th minute when Asare parried Moremi’s low drive before defender John Mokone executed a heroic block to deny substitute Kabelo Kgosietsile’s follow-up.
In extra time, Moremi struck the woodwork and Asare repelled a Boitumelo Radiopane strike as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable. However, the decisive moment arrived in the final minute of extra time. Sbangani Zulu mis-timed a header from a corner kick, but the ball sat up perfectly for substitute Lungu, who unleashed a thunderous volley to seal a memorable victory.
Both clubs turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, 12 August, with Orlando Pirates traveling to face AmaZulu FC while Durban City hosts Golden Arrows.
Match Summary
- Score: Orlando Pirates 2 – 1 Durban City (After Extra Time)
- Goalscorers:
- Orlando Pirates: Patrick Maswanganyi (37’ pen), Ghampani Lungu (120’)
- Durban City: Jean Lwamba (52’)
- Red Card: Brooklyn Poggenpoel (35’, Durban City)
