South Africa’s three biggest clubs all booked their places in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals on Tuesday night, with Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns securing victories in their respective Round of 16 encounters.
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Wandile Duba stole the headlines with a sensational hat-trick as Chiefs thrashed TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium, while Tshepang Moremi scored twice as defending champions Pirates cruised to a 3-0 victory over Milford FC.
Sundowns, meanwhile, needed just one goal to overcome Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld, with Siyanda Ndlovu securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the Brazilians.
The results set up an intriguing quarter-final draw, with both Soweto giants heading into Saturday’s highly anticipated derby full of confidence following impressive cup performances.
Duba Hat-Trick Inspires Chiefs To Emphatic Victory
Kaizer Chiefs produced arguably their most convincing performance of the season as Wandile Duba’s second-half hat-trick secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Amakhosi broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart when Duba converted Pule Mmodi’s cutback.
The young striker doubled his tally in the 62nd minute, reacting quickest after Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty was saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula.
Duba completed his hat-trick just four minutes later, racing onto Mduduzi Shabalala’s through ball before finishing confidently to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory was particularly important for coach Fernando Da Cruz, whose side had endured a difficult run of results, including their recent CAF Confederation Cup elimination.
Chiefs will now turn their attention to Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Pirates, with Duba’s outstanding performance providing a welcome attacking boost ahead of the blockbuster encounter.
Moremi Shines As Pirates Cruise Past Milford
Defending champions Orlando Pirates continued their impressive form with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Buccaneers dominated the opening half, taking the lead in the 15th minute when Thapelo Mokobodi finished after being played through by Tshepang Moremi.
Moremi then turned goalscorer, doubling Pirates’ advantage in the 34th minute after rounding the goalkeeper following a well-timed pass from Thalente Mbatha.
The winger completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, converting after substitute Mpho Padime played him through on goal.
Milford offered greater resistance after the interval, but Pirates had already done enough to secure their passage into the last eight.
The result underlined the Buccaneers’ attacking quality and maintained their momentum ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Chiefs, where both Soweto rivals will be looking to build on their impressive cup victories.
Sundowns Edge Gallants To Keep Cup Hopes Alive
Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways following their shock CAF Champions League elimination, grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld.
Miguel Cardoso’s side made an aggressive start, dominating possession and pressing their opponents high up the pitch as they looked to put their continental disappointment behind them.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Iqraam Rayners set up Siyanda Ndlovu, who fired a powerful effort past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Gallants improved considerably after the interval and forced Ricardo Goss into an important save in the 58th minute, but Sundowns held firm to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The victory also provided a measure of revenge for the Brazilians, who were eliminated by Gallants at the same stage of last season’s competition.
Although Sundowns were less convincing, Cardoso will be pleased to see his side return to winning ways and keep their hopes of domestic cup success alive.
The winner will claim the final quarter-final berth, joining Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns, Golden Arrows, Siwelele FC, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United in the last eight.
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