Wandile Duba’s Hat-Trick Powers Kaizer Chiefs Into Carling Knockout Quarter-Finals

Kaizer Chiefs produced the perfect response to their recent CAF Confederation Cup disappointment by securing a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Last 16 at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night. After suffering a painful exit from continental competition, Amakhosi showed character and determination as Wandile Duba’s sensational second-half hat-trick sent them into the quarter-finals.

The hosts started the match on the front foot and looked eager to put their recent setback behind them. Pule Mmodi won an early free-kick in the second minute, while TS Galaxy’s Seluleko Mahlambi became the first player booked after a foul in the sixth minute. Duba also found himself in the referee’s notebook a minute later as the contest began with plenty of intensity.

Chiefs created the better opportunities during the opening stages. Duba went close in the 11th minute after excellent work by Mfundo Vilakazi, but his effort was blocked. Four minutes later, the young striker threatened again, sending an attempt inches wide of the target as the home side continued searching for the breakthrough.

The pressure from Amakhosi continued to mount. Mduduzi Shabalala saw a chance blocked in the 21st minute, while TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula produced an impressive save a minute later to deny Duba. The visitors were also forced into an early change when Mlondi Mncwango was replaced by Veluyeke Zulu due to injury.

Chiefs remained in control as the first half progressed. Zulu received a yellow card in the 26th minute, while Mmodi was denied by a last-ditch tackle inside the box shortly afterwards. Another promising opportunity came in the 36th minute when Mmodi fired over the crossbar, highlighting the hosts’ dominance despite the lack of goals.

TS Galaxy managed to survive until halftime, with Brandon Petersen called into action deep into first-half stoppage time to make an important save and keep the scores level. Despite Chiefs enjoying the majority of the chances, the sides went into the interval locked at 0-0.

The breakthrough finally arrived moments after the restart. TS Galaxy coach Esau Mtsweni introduced Siphesihle Tati and Sedwyn George at halftime, but Chiefs struck in the 48th minute when Mmodi provided the assist for Duba, who calmly found the back of the net. Interestingly, there were no celebrations from the Chiefs players as they immediately rushed back to the centre circle, clearly determined to make a bigger statement.

Galaxy almost responded immediately when Zulu’s effort flashed just wide of the post. However, Chiefs continued to dominate proceedings and were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute after Shabalala was brought down inside the area. Although the initial spot-kick was saved, Duba reacted quickest to convert the rebound and double Amakhosi’s advantage in the 62nd minute. Once again, the players wasted little time celebrating as they looked hungry for more goals.

That ruthless approach paid off four minutes later. Duba completed a remarkable hat-trick in the 66th minute after timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap before calmly finishing beyond Mathebula. This time there was a more noticeable celebration from the Chiefs players as the young striker capped off a memorable evening with his third goal in just 18 minutes.

Fernando Da Cruz’s side comfortably managed the remainder of the match, with substitutes Ethan Chislett, Thulani Mabaso and Asenele Velebayi helping Chiefs maintain control. Velebayi and Mabaso both went close to adding a fourth goal, but the scoreline remained unchanged. After the disappointment of their CAF Confederation Cup exit, Amakhosi delivered a powerful response, with Duba’s stunning hat-trick inspiring a dominant 3-0 victory and a place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.