Adelaide United has set up a quarter-final Australia Cup showdown against Western Sydney Wanderers after a hard-fought 3-2 win in Perth on Tuesday night against NPLWA Premiers, Olympic Kingsway.
A debut goal from Austin Ayoubi, a header by Luka Jovanović, and an own goal from O’Connell helped the three-time Cup holders progress to the next round.
After a standout pre-season, Austin Ayoubi earned a starting spot, stepping in for Dylan Pieras, who was unavailable due to personal reasons. Leading the attack was Luka Jovanović, while the experienced Javi Lopez slotted in at left-back, replacing Ryan Kitto.
The visitors made a strong start, and Adelaide’s early pressure paid off in just the 10th minute. Ayoubi, fresh off two assists in the previous round, capitalized on a scramble in the box, justifying coach Carl Veart’s faith in him. Six minutes later, Zach Clough unleashed a shot, but it was skillfully parried away by the Olympic keeper—a bright start from the Reds. However, a close call came when Njegic struck Delianov’s left-hand post, serving as a warning sign for United.
At the half-hour mark, the dynamic Jonny Yull carried the ball deep from within his own half, threading a pass to Luka Jovanović behind the Kingsway defense. The young attacker, however, blazed his shot over the bar. Then, in the 37th minute, Liam Boland headed home the equalizer, marking his 12th goal in the Australia Cup and tying the tournament record just before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Jonny Yull had a golden chance to restore United’s lead but failed to hit the target from close range, leaving the score level at the interval.
United wasted no time in the second half, striking early once again. Austin Ayoubi sent a deep cross to the back post, aiming for Zach Clough, but it was Olympic’s O’Connell who, unfortunately, headed the ball into his own net. The second half turned into a stop-start affair, scrappy for the neutral observer. However, with twenty minutes left, a sublime delivery from Englishman Zach Clough found Luka Jovanović, who rose high to head United into a two-goal lead.
The closing moments were tense as Boland converted a late penalty, becoming the leading goalscorer in Australia Cup history, after Knowles was brought down by James Delianov. Delianov then redeemed himself with an outstanding save in stoppage time, ensuring the A-League outfit secured the victory. Olympic’s defeat marked their first home loss all season.
Adelaide United will now face Western Sydney Wanderers in the next round. Details TBC.
Olympic Kingsway 2-3 Adelaide United
Goals:
OKW – Boland (2)
ADL – Ayoubi, OG, Jovanović
