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

Kaizer Chiefs produced a dominant second-half display to thrash TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, booking their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals. Wandile Duba stole the show with a clinical hat-trick, ending a difficult recent run for Amakhosi and easing some of the pressure on coach Fernando da Cruz.

Second-half surge seals victory

The match remained goalless at half-time despite Chiefs showing more intent in the opening period. The hosts came out with greater purpose after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, Duba opened the scoring by converting a cross from Pule Mmodi.

The forward then doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to fire home the rebound after Galaxy goalkeeper Malusi Mathebula saved Mfundo Vilakazi' penalty. Duba completed his first professional hat-trick three minutes later, latching onto a through ball and finishing calmly to make it 3-0.

Much-needed response for Amakhosi

The result was a much-needed response after Chiefs' elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup by Red Arrows days earlier. It also ended a winless streak and provided a timely boost ahead of Saturday's Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, which will also be staged at FNB Stadium.

Squad changes pay off

Coach Fernando da Cruz made several changes for the last-16 clash, with captain Brandon Petersen returning in goal and Rushwin Dortley starting for the first time in a lengthy period. The 4-3-3 setup eventually paid dividends as Chiefs controlled the second half and limited Galaxy to few clear opportunities. Mathebula was forced off injured late in the game, while Chiefs substitutes nearly added a fourth when Flavio da Silva struck the base of the post.

Looking ahead

The emphatic victory sends Kaizer Chiefs into the last eight of the competition, where they will be among the seeded teams for the draw. For Amakhosi supporters, Duba's clinical finishing offered the perfect lift after recent frustrations and underlined the squad's determination to challenge for silverware this season.