The Wellington Phoenix have revived their slim chances of making the Isuzu UTE A-League finals with a 2-1 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
This result marks a historic low for the Wanderers, as they receive their first wooden spoon in Isuzu UTE A-League history, finishing five points adrift of Brisbane Roar with only one game remaining.
The Phoenix demonstrated their dominance throughout the match, earning a well-deserved win with goals from their star forward Ifeanyi Eze and Japanese midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa, both set up by Tim Payne.
Western Sydney’s only goal came from Brandon Borrello—who captained the side in place of regular keeper Lawrence Thomas, with Jordan Holmes starting in goal—netting just before halftime to level the score.
Wellington began the contest strongly, pushing the Wanderers back into their half and winning four corners within the first 10 minutes.
It took only five more minutes for Eze to break the deadlock, capitalising on a patient build-up from Wellington and a clever back-post assist from Tim Payne, with the Nigerian hitting it hard past Wanderers keeper Jordan Holmes.
That goal marked Eze’s tenth of the season, propelling him into second place in the Golden Boot race, trailing only Auckland’s Sam Cosgrove, and making him just the second player this season to achieve double-digit goals.
Following Eze’s opener, the Phoenix continued to apply pressure, with Ramy Najjarine testing Holmes on several occasions, including a remarkable 40-metre run through the midfield.
This effort sparked a response from Western Sydney, and just three minutes later, Borrello equalised through a set piece. Ryan Fraser initiated the play with a short corner to Angus Thurgate, who then found Borrello at the edge of the box.
Though Oluwayemi managed to get a hand to Borrello’s side-footed shot, he couldn’t prevent it from finding the back of the net.
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The same trio nearly gave the Wanderers the lead just a minute later, with Thurgate connecting on a quick one-two with Fraser, sending in a dangerous cross that Borrello attempted to chest into the net from eight yards. Oluwayemi made a crucial save, but the loose ball fell to young Wanderers striker Jai Rose who, fortunately for the Phoenix, was unable to convert.
The half concluded with the score level at 1-1.
The Phoenix emerged for the second half with renewed vigour, as Isaac Hughes and Lukas Kelly-Heald tried their luck to net a corner before Eze misfired with a shot high. However, Nagasawa restored Wellington’s lead in the 56th minute, nodding in a well-placed cross from Payne.
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In the final half hour, Ryan Fraser shone for Western Sydney, forcing Oluwayemi into a series of saves from both volleys and long-range efforts, and he nearly set up Bozhidar Kraev for a late equaliser in stoppage time.
However, true to their season’s narrative, the Wanderers were unable to find the finishing touch, once again left contemplating missed opportunities.
The Western Sydney Wanderers will conclude a challenging 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season next Saturday, hosting likely finalists Melbourne Victory at Commbank Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix will head to Campbelltown Sports Stadium to face Macarthur on Friday night, a match that could impact the final six standings depending on Melbourne City’s outcomes.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
WHAT THEY SAID:
Kazuki Nagasawa
Brandon Borrello
Compiled by SportArena.au
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