Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns secured their places in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals following impressive victories in their Round of 16 matches on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
While the three South African football giants progressed to the last eight, their performances sparked lively debate among supporters on social media. Pirates earned praise for their attacking display, Chiefs silenced some of their critics with a commanding victory, while Sundowns faced questions despite advancing.
With TS Galaxy, Milford FC and Marumo Gallants eliminated, the latest results provided plenty of talking points for fans ahead of the next round.
Orlando Pirates Impress Against Milford FC
Orlando Pirates produced a dominant display at the Orlando Amstel Arena, defeating Milford FC 3-0 to progress to the quarterfinals.
Tshepang Moremi was the standout performer, scoring twice in the first half, while Thapelo Mokobodi also found the net. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine helped the Buccaneers secure a clean sheet in a convincing team performance.
Moremi’s contribution attracted plenty of attention from supporters, with many fans backing him for the Man of the Match award.
One supporter, @Bernecia, praised the attacker on X, writing:
“Moremi is the man of the match. No questions, no debate 🔥🔥”
Another fan, @Salvato84929752, looked ahead to the upcoming Soweto Derby, posting:
“We want this energy for the Derby okay 🖤🤍🏴☠️”
Despite the comfortable scoreline, some supporters believed Pirates could have taken their performance to another level by converting more of their chances. Attention has now shifted to the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs Respond to Critics With TS Galaxy Win
Kaizer Chiefs also enjoyed a memorable evening, defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium to secure their place in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals.
Wandile Duba stole the headlines with a superb hat-trick, completing his treble after 66 minutes and delivering an emphatic response to questions surrounding the team’s progress this season.
The victory prompted a mixture of praise, humour and continued criticism among supporters online.
One fan, @fezilentshangase, offered a humorous comparison between the two Soweto rivals, commenting:
“At Pirates, the players are more serious than the fans. At Kaizer Chiefs, the fans are more serious than the players.”
Another supporter, @khani_hlahla, welcomed the result but admitted that previous disappointment was still fresh after Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup elimination against Red Arrows.
“Thank you….but it’s gonna take time to erase pain of getting knocked out of CAF confed ….but I guess we move 😭”
Meanwhile, @Lesego72868480 praised Duba’s determination, suggesting that the criticism from TS Galaxy had motivated the young attacker.
“Well done Duba the disrespect by galaxy it seems you are the only 1 that took it personal that’s how all our players should be like.”
The emphatic win has given Amakhosi renewed confidence heading into their next challenge, with the Soweto Derby against Pirates looming large.
Mamelodi Sundowns Advance but Face Questions
Unlike Pirates and Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns progressed with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants.
Siyanda Ndlovu scored the decisive goal in the first half, helping the Brazilians secure their place in the quarterfinals. However, the slim margin of victory left some supporters concerned about the team’s inability to put the match beyond reach.
Gallants remained competitive throughout the encounter, keeping Sundowns under pressure and ensuring the result was not settled until the final whistle.
Some supporters called for a second goal, pointing to the danger of protecting a narrow lead for too long.
On X, @bonaventurej80 wrote:
“We need a second goal. Let’s learn from Friday match 1-0 lead is not sufficient.”
Another fan, @PeterMagupta, expressed his frustration by saying:
“I miss Peter Shalulile 😭”
Meanwhile, @NleyaYandi35265 voiced concern late in the match, posting:
“Nah man….no we need goals.”
The reactions highlighted the high expectations surrounding Sundowns, with supporters demanding greater attacking efficiency even when the team secures the desired result.
Who Has Qualified for the Carling Knockout Quarterfinals?
The latest results saw Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns join Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu FC, Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows among the teams advancing to the last eight.
With the competition reaching its decisive stages, the remaining clubs will be looking to maintain their momentum and move closer to lifting the trophy.
The contrasting reactions to Tuesday’s matches underline the pressure facing South Africa’s biggest clubs. Pirates have attacking momentum, Chiefs have answered their critics with a statement win, and Sundowns have progressed but still have questions to address.
Which Result Surprised You Most?
Was Kaizer Chiefs’ emphatic victory over TS Galaxy the biggest talking point? Did Orlando Pirates impress you with their 3-0 win over Milford FC, or should Sundowns be concerned after their narrow victory against Marumo Gallants?
Join the debate: Which Carling Knockout Cup result surprised you the most, and which team do you expect to lift the trophy?
