Orlando Pirates reached the MTN8 semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with new signing Lungu scoring the decisive goal late in the match.
The Buccaneers appeared to be heading for a tense conclusion after Durban City recovered from an early setback, but Lungu settled the contest with a powerful volley in the 29th minute of extra time.
Orlando Pirates began with attacking intent but were unable to break through during the opening stages. Thalente Mbatha forced Sangare into a save from distance, while Tshepang Moremi went closest to putting the hosts ahead when his free-kick struck the crossbar.
Durban City remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Lubumba broke forward and fired wide, while Mbuthuma missed a good opportunity after Patrick Maswanganyi had sent a dangerous cross into the area.
The game turned in the 33rd minute when Poggenpoel brought down Moremi inside the penalty area. The Durban City defender was shown a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Maswanganyi took responsibility from the spot and converted calmly, sending Sangare the wrong way to give Orlando Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Buccaneers held that advantage until half-time.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Durban City responded strongly after the interval. Lubumba equalised in the 52nd minute after Shandu and Gaston Sirino combined effectively on the right.
The visitors then defended with determination as Orlando Pirates pushed for a second goal. Sangare kept out a free-kick from Appollis and later denied Moremi from inside the box. Durban City also threatened again when Kgositsile headed narrowly wide.
Neither team could find a winner during normal time, sending the match into an additional period.
Moremi struck the crossbar with another free-kick early in extra time. Domingue then curled an effort towards goal, but Sipho Chaine was well positioned to make the save.
Durban City continued to pose a threat through Morris, although Seema used his pace to recover and clear the danger before the attack could develop.
Orlando Pirates increased the pressure during the second half of extra time. Radiopane tested Sangare, who made another save, while Lungu also saw an effort stopped by the Durban City goalkeeper. Mbatha added to the pressure with a powerful shot from distance.
The decisive moment finally arrived in the 29th minute of extra time. Lungu met the ball inside the box and unleashed a fierce volley which flew beyond Sangare and into the net.
Orlando Pirates held on to complete a 2-1 win and book their place in the MTN8 semi-finals. The Buccaneers remain on course for a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
A separate report has also covered the latest developments in the search for a new Bafana Bafana coach. Readers were also invited to take part in The South African’s Winter Reader Survey, with a chance to win R5,000.