South Melbourne Stun Melbourne Victory to Win Australia Cup in Thrilling Final
South Melbourne has become the first NPL team to win the Australia Cup, defeating Melbourne Victory 4-3 on penalties. The victory strengthens South Melbourne's bid for an A-League licence and secures a berth in next season's Asian Champions League 2 competition.
South Melbourne has made history by becoming the first NPL team to win the Australia Cup, defeating Melbourne Victory 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in extra time.
In a thrilling final at AAMI Park, South Melbourne goalkeeper Javier Lopez was the hero, saving two penalties and winning the Mark Viduka Medal as man of the match. The victory strengthens South Melbourne's bid for an A-League licence and secures a berth in next season's Asian Champions League 2 competition.
Match Highlights
Denis Genreau scored an impressive half-volley in the 95th minute to put Victory in front, but Max Mikkola equalized in the 117th minute to send the game to penalties. In the shootout, Lopez saved former South captain Harrison Sawyer's re-taken penalty, and Victory skipper Jason Davidson hit his spot-kick over the bar.
South Melbourne's win capped off an extraordinary evening, with a sellout crowd of 29,911 fans creating an electric atmosphere. The team's fans packed the south end of AAMI Park, holding banners of club legends including Ange Postecoglou, Ferenc Puskas, and John Margaritis.