Orlando Pirates to miss key player in Carling Knockout semi-final?

Defending Carling Knockout champions Orlando Pirates could play the semi-final without their versatile attacker Gamphani Lungu.

Bucs made the last four after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sekhukhune United in the quarter-final. As a result, the Soweto giants were paired with Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch. The Maroons got past AmaZulu in the initial phase.

The second final will be between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. Masandawana beat Golden Arrows by a solitary goal to advance as the Glamour Boys claimed a 2-1 victory against Siwelele FC.

The semi-finals have been scheduled for the first weekend after the FIFA international break.

What happened to Lungu?

Coach ABdeslam Ouaddou might now be forced to do without Zambia international Gamphani Lungu who has been left out of the Chipolopolo squad to play in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

“Injury has knocked out Hamburg FC striker Patson Daka, Lameck Banda (Al Swehly SC) and Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates) from the back-to-back Group I Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi,” FAZ confirmed in a statement.

The injured players have been replaced by Israel based Edward Chilufya, Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles) and Prince Mumba (Al Garaf-Iraq). Team Doctor George Magwende says the trio have been ruled out of both matches as their recovery period went beyond seven days. Magwende says the respective clubs have been liaising with the Chipolopolo medical team.

“Patson Daka suffered a right ankle injury which he sustained during Hamburg SV 3-1 win over Monchengladbach on 6 November. The ultrasound revealed he had a mild strain that will require about 7-10 days to recover,” he concluded.

“Lameck Banda sustained a left hamstring muscle injury whilst on club duty and will be out for at least two weeks. We also have Gamphani Lungu who has a right ankle sprain which could take about 14-21 days.”