Duba hat-trick fires Kaizer Chiefs into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Wandile Duba scored three times as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday to reach the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

The result gives Chiefs a significant boost before Saturday’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, which will also be played at FNB Stadium.

It may also relieve some of the pressure on coach Fernando da Cruz, who has faced scrutiny during Chiefs’ recent winless run and following their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rushwin Dortley made his first competitive appearance since March last year after recovering from knee surgery. He partnered Thabo Moloisane in central defence.

Inacio Miguel, who has regularly started alongside Moloisane, was not included in the match-day squad. Da Cruz may have chosen to protect him for the league meeting with Pirates, as he is one yellow card away from suspension. Moloisane also began the match one booking away from a ban.

Galaxy made the brighter start without creating a clear opening. Their quick passing and movement unsettled Chiefs during the opening 10 minutes, although the visitors rarely threatened goalkeeper. Seluleko Mahlambi was booked in the sixth minute for simulation after Dortley took the ball from him inside the penalty area.

The first half subsequently became disjointed, with neither side able to establish control. Chiefs improved midway through the period and produced several half-chances, including opportunities for Duba, but the forward lacked composure in front of goal.

Pule Mmodi struggled to influence the game before the interval, misplacing passes and hesitating when quicker decisions were required in possession.

Chiefs returned from the break with greater purpose and took the lead three minutes into the second half. Mmodi supplied Duba inside the box, and the striker’s miscued finish deceived TS Galaxy goalkeeper Malusi Mathebula.

The goal sparked a sustained spell of pressure from Chiefs, with Duba completing his hat-trick before the final whistle.

His second goal came after Mathebula saved Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty. Veluyeke Zulu had brought down Mduduzi Shabalala inside the area, prompting referee Siyabulela Qunta to award the spot-kick.

Mathebula stopped the penalty but could not prevent Duba from converting the rebound.

Shabalala then released Duba into a one-on-one chance in the 68th minute. The Chiefs forward had timed his run to beat the offside trap and calmly defeated Mathebula to secure the match ball.

Mathebula, who was injured during the game, was replaced in the 73rd minute by Sipho Maseti.

Audio for the story was generated using AI.