Duba treble fires Kaizer Chiefs into Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals

Wandile Duba scored three times in the second half as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 to reach the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night.

The forward ended a goalless first half by opening the scoring three minutes after the restart, before completing his hat-trick with two further goals inside 12 minutes.

The victory provided a welcome response for Kaizer Chiefs after their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup by Red Arrows.

Amakhosi began brightly at FNB Stadium, with Duba forcing an early save from TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula.

Duba soon combined with Sibongiseni Mthethwa to create another opportunity, but Mathebula again stood in the way. Pule Mmodi then sent a good chance over the crossbar as the final significant action of the opening 45 minutes.

There were groans from the home support when the half-time whistle was blown, but the frustration quickly disappeared after the restart.

Duba met a cross from Mmodi and struck powerfully past Mathebula to give Kaizer Chiefs the lead after 48 minutes.

TS Galaxy had an opportunity to level when Mfundo Vilakazi was awarded a penalty, but Mathebula kept out his spot-kick. Duba reacted quickest to the rebound, however, and fired the ball into the net to make it 2-0 after 63 minutes.

The in-form attacker completed his treble three minutes later. Rushwin Dortley played an excellent through ball into Duba’s path, and he finished beyond the advancing Mathebula.

Mathebula was forced off with an injury during the final 10 minutes, with Sipho Maseti taking his place in goal. The substitute was rarely called upon, though, as Kaizer Chiefs had already established a decisive advantage.

Flavio da Silva went close to adding a fourth for Amakhosi late on, creating room for a shot that came back off the base of the goal.

The result sends Kaizer Chiefs through to the last eight of the Carling Knockout Cup, while TS Galaxy’s campaign has ended.