Lungu Saves Pirates In Extra-Time Drama To Beat 10-Man Durban City
Ghampani Lungu emerged as Orlando Pirates’ late hero, scoring a dramatic winner in the final minute of extra time to edge 10-man Durban City 2-1 and secure a spot in the MTN8 semi-finals at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The Soweto giants were given a massive scare by a resolute Durban City side that defended heroically despite being reduced to 10 men early in the contest. City blocked channels and choked space in the final third, frustrating the hosts for large spells. However, Pirates proved once again why they remain the kings of this competition, having lifted the trophy in each of the past four seasons.
Durban City threatened to become the first team since Moroka Swallows in the 2021/22 season to knock Pirates out of the MTN8 quarter-finals on home soil.
The opening breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Brooklyn Poggenpoel was caught unaware of his surroundings, allowing Tshepang Moremi to nip ahead of him inside the penalty area. Poggenpoel tripped Moremi, leaving referee Alfred Chavali with no choice but to point to the spot. Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up and sent goalkeeper Frederick Asare the wrong way to give Pirates the lead.
Watching from the stands was Pirates’ new forward, Sebastian Pedersen, who arrived earlier this week to bolster the Buccaneers’ attacking line following the departure of star winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Durban City showed zero deference to the reigning champions. They stunned the packed home crowd when Jean Lubamba tapped home from close range to beat Sipho Chaine after Sbangani Zungu was left grounded in the buildup.
City absorbs pressure comfortably and restricted Pirates to long-range efforts, threatening to launch dangerous counter-attacks whenever space opened up. With four minutes of regulation time remaining, Moremi forced a fine save from Asare, but Kabelo Kgositsile couldn’t turn in the rebound before City cleared their lines. Moments later, Kamogelo Sebelebele swung in a dangerous cross, but Pirates again failed to capitalize during a congested scramble in the box.
The match headed into extra time, where the first 15-minute period passed without either side finding a decisive goal.
Durban City was repeatedly saved by the brilliance of Asare, while Tashreeq Morris almost snatched a winner for the visitors on a breakaway—only for reigning PSL Defender of the Season Lebone Seema to produce a brilliant recovery tackle to snuff out the threat.
Just as the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, City’s defensive wall finally cracked in the dying seconds of extra time. Ghampani Lungu pounced on a loose ball and smashed a sensational first-time strike into the roof of the net, leaving the outstanding Asare with no chance and sending Pirates through to the last four.
