Wandile Duba broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, added a second following a penalty rebound and completed his treble in the 66th minute.

His decisive burst transformed the match and gave coach Fernando da Cruz a timely boost after recent cup disappointment.

Galaxy, meanwhile, leave the competition needing to address a difficult run of form.

Pirates also advanced with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before Tshepang Moremi struck twice, in the 35th minute and first-half stoppage time.

Moremi’s movement and finishing exposed Milford’s high defensive line, and the Buccaneers controlled the contest thereafter.

At Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Sundowns edged Marumo Gallants 1-0.

Siyanda Ndlovu scored in the 20th minute, finishing from a tight angle after a move involving Iqraam Rayners.

Gallants pressed for an equaliser but could not convert their opportunities.

Sundowns progressed, although the narrow margin suggested there is room to sharpen their attacking play.

The results mean three of South Africa’s most prominent clubs are through, while TS Galaxy, Milford and Gallants are eliminated.

The final Round-of-16 fixture is scheduled for Wednesday (today), when Durban City host Stellenbosch FC at Chatsworth Stadium.

That match will complete the quarter-final line-up.

The next challenge will be sustaining momentum beyond one-off cup ties.

Chiefs will face arch-rivals Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, a fixture likely to test whether Duba’s scoring form can carry into league football.

Pirates will want to build on their fluent first-half display, while Chiefs must balance celebration with recovery and preparation.

Sundowns, meanwhile, must improve their chance creation after a hard-fought win, with attention also turning to their upcoming domestic and continental commitments.

The quarter-final draw will determine the next opponents, so no cup match-ups should yet be assumed.

Tuesday’s action showed the competition’s familiar appeal: sudden breakthroughs, individual brilliance and little room for recovery after defeat.

With one place still to be decided, Wednesday’s tie promises another important chapter in the race for the Carling Knockout trophy.