Duba hat-trick sends Chiefs into CKO quarterfinals

Wandile Duba scored a hat-trick of goals to inspire Kaizer Chiefs to a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in their Carling Knockout round of 16 clash played at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Amakhosi joined Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu FC, Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows in the quarterfinal draw, which will be held on Wednesday evening after the final round of 16 match between Durban City and Stellenbosch FC.

Chiefs found themselves on top from the early stages, creating numerous half-chances for the likes of Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala. Galaxy, however, were able to hold firm in defence, despite an injury to Mlondi Mncwango which saw him substituted in the 21st minute.

Chiefs then drew the first fine save from goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula, who did well to keep out a 22nd minute drive from Duba, and shortly thereafter Vilakazi tumbled in the 18-yard area but the referee showed no interest in awarding a penalty.

The first half closed with the score line blank, but it took less than three minutes of the second half for the deadlock to be broken: Shabalala and Pule Mmodi combined well down the right flank before the latter played a low cross to pick out Duba, who slipped as he shot but still managed to direct an effort beyond Mathebula for 1-0.

Galaxy had a chance to draw level in the 56th minute when a left-flank cross picked out Veluyeke Zulu, but the defender was unable to direct an effort on target.

Zulu then conceded a penalty in the other box just past the hour mark, as he clumsily tripped up Shabalala. Vilakazi took the spot kick, but his shot was tipped onto the post by Mathebula – however the rebound rolled kindly for Duba, who easily struck home at close range for 2-0.

Duba then completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, running onto an excellent through ball from Shabalala before confidently sweeping a shot beyond the goalkeeper for 3-0 – and effectively ending the game as a contest.

The teams will be in Betway Premiership action on Saturday, 31 October, with Chiefs facing Orlando Pirates, and Galaxy visiting Polokwane City.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 3 (Duba 48’ 62’ 66’)

TS Galaxy 0

Chiefs: Petersen, Frosler, Moloisane (Kwinika 85’), Dortley, Mako, Mthethwa, Maboe (Mabaso 76’), Vilakazi, Mmodi (Velebayi 76’), Duba (Da Silva 81’), Shabalala (Chislett 76’)

Galaxy: M. Mathebula (Maseti 74’), L. Mathebula, Mhlongo, Mncwango (Zulu 21’ [Xulu 78’]), Rantoa (Tati 46’), Mbunjana, Mahlambi, Kakora, Zindoga, Zandamela (George 46’), Letsoalo