Zambian utility player Gamphani Lungu produced another influential performance for Orlando Pirates, setting up Deon Hotto’s winning goal as the Buccaneers edged Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final.
Lungu showed his attacking quality with a moment of individual brilliance, using a clever Ronaldo Chop-like flick to create space before setting up Hotto inside the box. The experienced forward made no mistake, firing a powerful effort into the roof of the net to give Pirates a valuable away victory.
The assist takes Lungu’s tally to three goal involvements in his first four competitive appearances for Pirates this season, having already scored twice.
Despite playing away from home in front of a sold-out Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Pirates controlled large periods of the contest and were rewarded for their patience.
Sekhukhune struggled to create clear opportunities, managing just one shot on target throughout the match, while Pirates’ defence stood firm to secure another clean sheet.
Lungu’s contribution was particularly important in a tightly contested match, with Pirates finding it difficult to break down a compact Sekhukhune midfield for long periods.
The result leaves Orlando Pirates with a slender advantage ahead of the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, where they will look to complete the job and book their place in the MTN8 final.
The two sides will, however, meet again before then, with Pirates hosting Sekhukhune in a league fixture on Tuesday as part of a demanding three-match sequence between the teams.
For Lungu, the latest performance continues an impressive start to life at Pirates, with the Zambian already proving capable of making a difference at both ends of the pitch.
