Wandile Duba hat-trick sends Kaizer Chiefs into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Kaizer Chiefs reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, with Wandile Duba scoring all three goals.

Brandon Petersen and Lebohang Maboe returned to the Chiefs starting XI following Friday’s CAF Confederation Cup exit, while Rushwin Dortley made his first start for the club since 2024. Thabo Moloisane partnered Dortley in defence, with Inacio Miguel left out.

TS Galaxy made an energetic start and tested Duba physically during the opening 15 minutes. Chiefs created the first clear opportunity, however, when Duba was played through on goal before shooting narrowly wide of the post.

The Soweto side controlled much of the first half, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Duba heavily involved in their attacking play. Duba then forced Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula into an excellent save with a long-range effort.

Galaxy almost took the lead against the run of play just before half-time after launching a quick counter-attack. Thulani Zandemela found space inside the penalty area, but his shot did not have enough power to beat Petersen.

Chiefs needed only three minutes of the second half to break the deadlock. Duba met Pule Mmodi’s cross and turned the ball into the net to put the hosts ahead.

The advantage was doubled around the hour mark after Veluyeke Zulu was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Shabalala. Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty was saved by Mathebula, but Duba reacted first to drive in the rebound.

Duba completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, collecting a through-ball from Shabalala before calmly placing his finish into the far corner. The scoring details list his goals as coming in the 48th, 63rd and 66th minutes.

Chiefs started with Petersen, Frosler, Mako, Moloisane, Dortley, Maboe, Vilakazi, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Mmodi and Duba. Their substitutes were Bvuma, Kwinika, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Solomons, Da Silva, Chislett, Velebayi and Abrahams.

TS Galaxy’s line-up consisted of Mathebula, Mhlongo, Mcwango, Mathebula, Mbunjana, Kokora, Zindoga, Rantoa, Mahlambi, Zandemela and Letsoalo.