Western Sydney Wanderers have won their first Sydney Derby in two years after Alou Kuol’s second-half strike saw them beat Sydney FC 1-0 at CommBank Stadium.
Despite Sydney FC controlling possession of the ball it was the Wanderers who had the first real chance of the game; midfielder Steven Ugarkovic lashing a half-volley narrowly over the bar after the away side failed to clear their lines from a corner.
CLICK HERE TO HEAD TO THE OFFICIAL MATCH CENTRE
Sydney FC then had goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares to thank for keeping the scores level. First defender Anthony Pantazopoulos’ flicked header was pushed away from safety by the Sydney shotstopper before he then produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Kosta Barbarouses the opener.
Goalless at the break, the roof was then blown off CommBank Stadium six minutes into the second half, and it all came from a set-piece move which had been a constant throughout the first half.
Testing the Sydney FC defence on numerous occasions in the opening 45 with his wicked, flat long throw into the box, Pantazopoulos repeated the trick early in the second half and this time it worked a treat, causing chaos inside the Sydney FC box and Kuol was on hand to lash home the opener after Marcel Tisserand failed to clear his lines.
As soon as Kuol wheeled away in celebration, Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay immediately rang the changes, bringing on former Western United captain Ben Garuccio for his debut as part of a triple change which also saw Abel Walatee and Patrick Wood enter the fray.
The Wanderers were soon dealt an injury blow of their own as full-back Alex Gersbach hobbled from the field with what looked to be a hamstring issue, prompting a re-shuffle at the back; Pantazopoulos shifted out to the left side of defence and now tasked with marking Joe Lolley.
Largely frustrated on the night, the Sydney FC marksman caused chaos in the 90th minute as his powerful drive cannoned off the outstretched arm of Pantazopoulos before it pinged around the box but after a VAR check during play, the officials deemed the incident to be accidental.
As the game ticked into six minutes of additional time the Wanderers were then inches away from wrapping up the win, however substitute Aydan Hammond dragged his shot across goal and onto the far post before it bounced away to safety.
The home side held on for just their second win of the season and their first in the Derby since November 2023 to move themselves up into eighth on the ladder and level with the top six.
For Sydney FC, the defeat is just their second of the campaign having previously won their last four matches in a row.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Check out the highlights from an enthralling Sydney Derby at CommBank Stadium.
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from Wanderers defender Anthony Pantazopoulos, who spoke to Paramount+ after the full time whistle.
Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay gave his thoughts on the result when speaking to Paramount+.
