In a thrilling conclusion to the Round of 32 in the Australia Cup, South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar emerged victorious, knocking out their respective opponents to advance to the next stage of the competition.

South Melbourne's Upset Victory

South Melbourne achieved a remarkable 2-1 victory over Adelaide United, marking their second upset in the Australia Cup. After falling behind early, South Melbourne showcased their resilience and skill, scoring two impressive goals to secure their place in the Round of 16. This win eliminates Adelaide United, who join other A-League teams such as Newcastle Jets, Central Coast, and Perth Glory in exiting the tournament.

South Melbourne's coach, Sinisa Cohadzic, expressed his delight following the match, stating, “Magical night. We were the team actually playing football. I am delighted for the crowd, the players, we showed we can play against the top teams…we want to go very far in this competition.”

Brisbane Roar's Solid Performance

Brisbane Roar also progressed by defeating Sydney Olympic 3-0, further emphasizing the strength of National Premier League Victoria clubs in this year's tournament. The Roar's commanding performance ensured their advancement alongside South Melbourne.

Commentator Daniel McBreen noted South Melbourne's determination to turn the game around after conceding the opening goal. He remarked, “It was all them…when they finally did, they made Adelaide pay.” Erik Paartalu highlighted the significance of the results, pointing out that both the first and second place teams from the A-League last season have now been eliminated by clubs from the Victoria NPL, sending a strong message throughout the competition.

Despite a promising start with Craig Goodwin scoring for Adelaide in the third minute, South Melbourne responded with a thunderous strike from Bul Juach and a volley from Yuki Uchida, who finished off a well-executed attacking move. This victory not only propels South Melbourne into the next round but also showcases the competitive nature of the Australia Cup.