Good news for Amakhosi ahead of Soweto derby as Dortley returns to action in win over Galaxy

Wandile Duba’s hat-trick inspired Kaizer Chiefs to a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout last-16 tie at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

The emphatic victory gives Chiefs a much-needed morale boost ahead of Saturday’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at the same venue.

Some would argue that the win also eases pressure on coach Fernando da Cruz, having come under scrutiny in recent weeks amid the team’s winless streak and CAF Confederation Cup elimination.

Defender Rushwin Dortley played his first competitive game since March last year after undergoing a knee surgery, partnering with Thabo Moloisane at the heart of Chiefs’ defence.

Usual suspect to partner with Moloisane at the centre of that Amakhosi rearguard, Inacio Miguel, didn’t make the match-day squad, perhaps Da Cruz was sparing him for Saturday’s league Soweto derby against Pirates as he’s one yellow card away from suspension. Moloisane also came into this game one yellow away from suspension.

Galaxy winger Seluleko Mahlambi was booked for simulation in the sixth minute after Dortley dispossessed him inside the box.

The first half was somewhat flat as both teams looked disjointed. However, the visitors were better in the first 10 minutes, rotating the ball quickly albeit they hardly threatened. Chiefs woke up a bit midway through the stanza, creating a few half chances. Duba managed to get a few of those, but lack of composure inside the box did him dirty.

Pule Mmodi looked to be Chiefs’ weakest link in the first half, struggling to place his passes, while he was also hesitant when he had to act swiftly in possession.

Amakhosi came from the second half with some determination and it paid off in the 48th minute when Mmodi teed up Duba inside the box to beat Galaxy goalkeeper Malusi Mathebula with a miscued effort to break the deadlock.

Chiefs never took their foot off the pedal after breaking the deadlock with Duba adding two more goals to complete his hat-trick. Duba’s second goal came after he pounced on a loose ball following Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty that was saved by Mathebula. Veluyeke Zulu had fouled Mduduzi Shabalala inside the box, leaving referee Siyabulela Qunta with no choice but to point to the spot.

Shabalala would neatly set-up Duba for a 1v1 situation with Mathebula, with the Chiefs striker managing to smartly beat the offside trap to complete his hat-trick in the 68th minute. Injured Galaxy keeper Mathebula was subbed in the 73rd minute, with Sipho Maseti taking his slot.