For just the third time this Isuzu UTE A-League season, Nani and Melbourne Victory celebrated a win.
In hot conditions away to Macarthur FC on Sunday, Victory ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Ben Folami’s 84th-minute strike following the FIFA Men’s World Cup break.
Folami’s moment of brilliance off the bench inspired Victory, who had adopted a new system for the trip to Campbelltown Stadium in Round 7.
Marquee and man of the match Nani believes the clash with Dwight Yorke’s Macarthur will benefit Victory in the long run.
“It was a good game. We started with a new system and we were all adapting,” Manchester United legend Nani told Paramount+.
“We have been doing well in training and we wanted to see how it worked on the pitch. In the beginning, it was difficult because we had to defend and suffer.
But in general, it was a good test for us. For our confidence and what we need for the future, this is the perfect game.
Nani added: “We deserved to win. We had fantastic play from the young players who came on and made a difference. That’s a very important sign for our team. We want everyone to be involved.”
The introduction of Folami proved to be a masterstroke from Victory head coach Tony Popovic away to the Bulls.
It was Folami’s seventh A-League Men goal as he fuelled Victory’s three points on the road, and he highlighted the advice from his boss post-game.
“The boss spoke to me before I came on and told me to make runs in behind,” he said. “Impact the game wherever I can.
“Lucky I was able to do that today.”
Folami continued: “When you’re on the bench, you’re always looking at who is in your position and how you can affect the game. That’s what I did today.”
