Wandile Duba scored three goals as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
The win sends Chiefs into the next round of the cup. It was Duba’s first hat-trick in the top flight, IOL Sport reported.
Fans voted Duba the Champion Player of the Match. He also got a standing ovation when he left the field, with supporters chanting “Duba, Duba, Duba”.
Chiefs went into the game under pressure after a run of poor results. Those results included their exit from the CAF Confederation Cup last Friday.
The home side started slowly and showed little urgency in the first half. Their supporters were clearly unhappy and shouted at the players and the team.
Coach Fernando da Cruz kept encouraging his players from the side. He cheered every chance they created and every good tackle they made.
There were very few chances in the first half, so both goalkeepers had little to do. That was good news for Da Cruz, who had made several changes in defence.
One of those changes was a start for Rushwin Dortley. The defender had been out injured for more than a year.
Chiefs came out with much more energy after the break and took the game to the visitors. They scored early in the second half when Duba turned in a cross from Pule Mmodi inside the box.
The pressure kept coming. Mduduzi Shabalala won a penalty after he was fouled by Veluyeke Zulu inside the box.
Vilakazi stepped up to take the kick but hit the post. Duba reacted first and put the rebound into the net for his second goal.
Duba completed his hat-trick when he beat the offside trap to reach a through ball from Shabalala. He went one on one with Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula and beat him with a strong, accurate finish.
Mathebula’s night ended early. He picked up an injury and was replaced by Sipho Maseti, who faced very little danger as Chiefs had the game under control.
The second half also gave game time to players who had been out injured, including Flavio Silva. That should give Da Cruz more choices for his next match.
Chiefs scored three goals and kept a clean sheet on the night. Their next game is the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.