Orlando Pirates began their MTN8 title defence with a dramatic last-minute victory over Durban City FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up to convert from the penalty spot.
The spot-kick was awarded after Brooklyn Poggenpoel brought down Tshepang Moremi in the box, with the defender receiving a second yellow card and his marching orders.
Despite being a man short for the remainder of the contest, City fought hard and were rewarded for their efforts in the 53rd minute when Jean Lwamba finished off Gaston Sirino’s cross to draw level for his side.
With neither side able to break the deadlock thereafter in regulation time, the tie headed to extra time at Orlando Stadium and just as penalties loomed, new signing Ghampani Lungu delivered a dramatic 119th-minute volley to snatch victory for the Buccaneers.
Orlando Pirates will now await the results of the remaining quarterfinals to see who’ll be joining them in the semi-finals of this year’s MTN8.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
