Orlando Pirates came back behind after Durban City cancelled out Patrick Maswanganyi’s first-half penalty. Lungu eventually produced the decisive moment with a powerful volley in the final stages of extra time.
PATRICK MASWANGANYI BREAKS THE DEADLOCK
Orlando Pirates started with attacking intent but struggled to find a breakthrough in the opening stages. Thalente Mbatha tested Sangare from distance, while Tshepang Moremi came closest when his free-kick struck the crossbar.
Durban City also threatened on the counter. Lubumba broke forward and fired wide, while Mbuthuma missed a good opportunity after Maswanganyi delivered a dangerous cross.
The game changed in the 33rd minute. Poggenpoel brought down Moremi inside the box. The Durban City defender received a second yellow card and left his team with 10 players.
Maswanganyi stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. He sent Sangare the wrong way to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead. The Buccaneers took that advantage into the break.
Durban City responded after half-time despite playing with 10 men. Lubumba levelled in the 52nd minute after Shandu and Gaston Sirino combined effectively on the right. The visitors then defended resolutely as Pirates searched for another goal.
Sangare saved Appollis’ free-kick and later denied Moremi inside the box. Kgositsile also came close for Durban City, but his header flew narrowly wide.
Neither side found a winner in normal time.
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GHAMPANI LUNGU GRABS LATE WINNER FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Extra time produced another intense battle.
Moremi struck the crossbar with a free-kick early in the additional period. Domingo then curled an effort towards goal, but Sipho Chaine positioned himself well to make the save.
Durban City continued to threaten through Morris, but Seema showed impressive pace to recover and clear the danger.
Pirates increased the pressure during the second half of extra time.
Radiopane forced another save from Sangare, while Lungu saw an effort stopped by the goalkeeper. Mbatha also tested the Durban City defence with a powerful shot from distance.
Then came the decisive moment.
In the 29th minute of extra time, Lungu unleashed a powerful volley inside the box. Sangare had no chance as the ball crashed into the net. Orlando Pirates held on to win 2-1 and booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals.
The Buccaneers remain on course for a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
