Orlando Pirates secured a place in the semi-final of the MTN8 after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The match started in a frenetic pace with the home side buoyed by a nearly sold out eSgodini were ready to entertain after an opening day victory in the league last week.
And after having most of possession and chances, they eventually took the lead late into the opening half via the spot-kick with Patrick Maswanganyi finding the net.
In the process of the penalty – it was a calamity as Brooklyn Poggenpoel lost possession in front of his area and as he looked to recover, he fouled Tshepang Moremi inside the area.
It was a second yellow issued by Jelly Chavani for Poggenpoel, and put the visitors in real danger in the second half.
But Khalil Ben Youssef’s side managed to compose themselves and find an equaliser with a man down when Gaston Sirino provided Jean Lwamba with a tap in to make it 1-1 eight minutes into the second half.
For all the Abdeslam Ouaddou’s tactical tweaks to increase their pressure in the offensive areas – City managed to hold firm in defence, in what was their cornerstone of the Nedbank Cup success came through.
Moremi nearly found the winner with the last kick of regulation time but a mix up with Boitumelo Radiopane saw the two fluff the chance inside the six yard area.
Frederick Asare in goal also pulled off some impressive saves as the game went to extra-time – with the score level at 1-1 after the 90 minutes played
With Pirates pilling on the pressure throughout extra-time, it was Ghampani Lungu who netted the much-celebrated winner with a stunning volley in the 119th minute.