Wellington Phoenix have their first win of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season after Carlo Armiento’s 96th-minute winner saw them defeat Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Sky Stadium.
The home side were dealt an early blow, as key defender Tim Payne was withdrawn after just 17 minutes with a shoulder injury, with the 31-year-old seen wearing his arm in a sling as he trudged off down the tunnel.
In a first half that had few clear-cut chances, Brisbane Roar midfielder Sam Klein hit the bar with a header before the away side broke the deadlock on the approach to half-time; striker Justin Vidic capitalising on the Phoenix’s high-defensive line before cooly lobbing the ball over the head of goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi.
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Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze was involved in a heated incident in the 59th minute, receiving a yellow card for an off-the-ball tussle with Roar defender Youstin Salas before Eze then had Wellington’s first shot on target in the 62nd minute, a low drive well-saved by Dean Bouzanis.
Brisbane’s defensive resilience was eventually broken; Japanese midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa on hand to tap home substitute Corban Piper’s bouncing effort in the 76th minute.
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And with just seconds left on the clock, newly-converted wing-back Armiento then drilled a low effort into the far corner of Roar keeper Bouzanis’ goal to seal a come-from-behind win for the home side.
The result means Brisbane Roar’s unbeaten start to the season comes to an end, whilst their wait for a win in the Kiwi capital continues, having not managed a victory there since 2017.
Match Highlights
Check out the highlights from Wellington Phoenix’s 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar in Round 2 of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
What they said
It’s safe to say Brisbane Roar head coach Michael Valkanis cut a frustrated figure in his post-match press conference, especially when it came to one particular controversial call in the game.
Take a listen to his full press conference below.
Carlo Armiento scored on his Wellington Phoenix debut in Round 1 with a crucial goal against Perth Glory and now he’s done it again.
The match-winner discussed his side’s win and that incredible 96th-minute winner with the panel at full-time.
