Wellington Phoenix 0 – 1 Western Sydney Wanderers
By Callum Logie 29/3/26
Above: Alvina Khoshaba (right, facing camera) competes for possession with Brooke Nunn. Photo: Wellington Phoenix
The always atmospheric Porirua Park hosted an interesting encounter between two teams who have had very different seasons. Despite generating some good chances, Wellington were unable to score and a late winner from Yuan Cong lifted Western Sydney off the bottom of the table.
Defeat at home for the Phoenix means that Melbourne City secured the premier’s plate despite not playing any football this round, now 6 points clear on the top of the table.
Western Sydney Wanderers were looking to avenge their 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture but Wellington were of course looking to gain momentum in the lead up to the finals.
It was a back and forth start in the first 10 minutes, both teams putting together some attacks, Wellington more so but Western Sydney regularly looked to counter with pace.
In the 11th minute, Grace Jale played a clever lofted through ball over to Brooke Nunn who took control in the box and took a shot at goal. Shamiram Khamis was able to collect confidently, but the Phoenix looked the most likely to score in the early moments.
10 minutes later, Mackenzie Anthony lashed a half-volley wide of the goal. Wellington were looking to put on the pressure as the first half progressed.
In the 30th minute, Wellington nearly took the lead as Amy Harrison played a casual ball back to Khamis and Pia Vlok picked up possession in the box. She misdirected her effort on goal though and Western Sydney were able to preserve the deadlock after half an hour of play.
In the second half, a collision between Poppie Hooks, Makala Woods and Khamis led to an ankle injury suffered by Hooks. Alana Cerne replaced her as she needed to be helped off the field.
A corner in the 58th minute gave a chance to Marisa van der Meer who forced a reflex save out of Khamis. Western Sydney were resolute in defence through the whole game, hoping to build some momentum heading into next season after a disappointing campaign this year.
At the hour mark, Grace Jale tried an ambitious shot from around 35 yards out. It was well struck and forced a spill out of Khamis who was able to collect the second time of asking and drew a foul in the process.
In the 69th minute, Nunn released Woods who had a shot on goal at a narrow angle. Khamis charged town and was able to make the save, still keeping the game scoreless.
Against the run of play, in the 78th minute, Western Sydney remarkably took the lead. A long ball over from Ena Harada looped over to Yuan Cong who volleyed the ball at goal. Victoria Esson was able to make the first save but Yuan followed up and converted to give the Wanderers an unlikely lead.
The Phoenix played the rest of the game with desperation and managed to get a shot on goal from substitute Daisy Brazendale in the 98thminute. That strike however was driven wide and Western Sydney were able to get their fifth win of the season.
Khamis secured her fourth clean sheet of the season, having been the bright spot for the Wanderers throughout this campaign. The win allows Western Sydney to build some momentum heading into the next season and makes the finals race that much more interesting for Wellington.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-1-3-2): Esson, Elliott, van der Meer, Barry, Walker, Jale, Vlok, Pijnenburg, Nunn, Anthony, Woods. Substitutes: Benson, Brazendale, Feinberg-Danieli, Fraser, Jaber, Marte de Leon.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-2-2-2): Khamis, Khoshaba, Wang, Harrison, Hooks, Chessari, Buchanan, Ng-Saad, Harada, Collins, Matos. Substitutes: Barker, Cerne, Edwards, Fazarri, Yuan, Zumaya.
Scorers: Yuan 78′.
Referee: Mikayla Ryan
Attendance: TBC
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