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Wandile Duba Hat-Trick Fires Kaizer Chiefs Into Carling Knockout Quarter-Finals
Kaizer Chiefs delivered an impressive performance at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, 27 October 2026, defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Round of 16. Young striker Wandile Duba was the star of the evening, scoring a sensational hat-trick to send Amakhosi into the quarter-finals.
The victory provided a timely boost for coach Fernando Da Cruz and his players following their disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup against Zambian side Red Arrows. Chiefs responded positively in front of their home supporters, producing a dominant second-half display to overcome a stubborn Galaxy side.
The opening half was closely contested, with both teams struggling to find the breakthrough. Chiefs created promising opportunities through Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi, but TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula helped keep the visitors in the contest as the teams went into half-time level at 0-0.
However, Chiefs needed only three minutes after the restart to break the deadlock. Mmodi delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area, and Duba finished clinically in the 48th minute to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Amakhosi continued pushing for another goal and were awarded a penalty after Shabalala was brought down inside the box. Mfundo Vilakazi stepped forward to take the spot-kick, but Mathebula produced a save to deny him.
Duba reacted quickest to the rebound, firing the ball into the net to complete his brace and double Chiefs' advantage.
The young striker subsequently completed his hat-trick, putting the result beyond doubt and capping a memorable individual performance.
For Chiefs, the emphatic victory represents an important step in their Carling Knockout campaign. Duba's clinical finishing also provides encouragement for Da Cruz as he seeks greater consistency from his attacking players.
With a place in the quarter-finals secured, Amakhosi will now turn their attention to the next stage of the competition, hoping to build on this convincing victory.
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