Orlando Pirates have moved into the MTN8 semi-finals after securing a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Durban City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The result keeps alive Pirates’ hopes of lifting the MTN8 trophy for a fifth consecutive year, although they were pushed all the way by a determined Durban City side.
Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Ghampani Lungu produced the decisive moment deep into extra time to seal victory for the Buccaneers.
Pirates dominated possession and created several opportunities early in the contest. Thalente Mbatha came close in the 20th minute when his long-range effort forced goalkeeper Fredrick Asare into a sharp save.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and were eventually rewarded in the 35th minute. Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel, who had already been booked, was penalised for a foul on Tshepang Moremi inside the penalty area.
Poggenpoel received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving City with 10 players. Maswanganyi made no mistake from the resulting penalty two minutes later to put Pirates ahead.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Durban City responded strongly after the interval. Seven minutes into the second half, Gaston Sirino capitalised on a defensive error before setting up Jean Lwamba, who calmly finished from close range to level the scores.
Pirates pushed hard for a winner as the match entered its closing stages.
Moremi forced another good save from Asare in the 87th minute, while substitute Kabelo Kgosietsile saw his follow-up effort blocked by a well-positioned John Mokone.
The Buccaneers continued to threaten in extra time, with Moremi hitting the woodwork before Boitumelo Radiopane tested Asare again.
Just when the quarter-final appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Pirates found the breakthrough in the 120th minute.
A corner caused confusion in the Durban City defence, and after Sbangani Zulu failed to make proper contact with his header, the ball fell invitingly to Lungu.
The substitute made no mistake, smashing a superb volley into the net to give Pirates a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Pirates will now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they are scheduled to visit AmaZulu on Wednesday, August 12.
Durban City will also be in league action on the same day when they host Golden Arrows.
