Tigers FC and APIA Leichhardt will go head-to-head in the battle of the Tigers in FFA Cup Round of 32 action at Viking Park, with a new date to be confirmed after the game was postponed.
The carrot of a potential 'Cupset' in a match up with Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s outfit Western Sydney Wanderers in the Round of 16 awaits the winner of the clash.
Tigers FC scored 15 goals across four matches in the Preliminary Rounds, defeating Gungahlin United, Weston Molonglo, Yoogali and Monaro Panthers on their way to the Round of 32.
Ryan Grogan’s side have qualified for the National Rounds once before, going down 2-0 to Hume City in the Round of 32 in 2019.
The Tigers were crowned 2021 NPL Capital Football Premiers after the COVID-19 enforced lockdown forced the season to be concluded after 17 rounds with the title awarded on a points-per-game basis.
Tigers FC sat three points ahead of second-placed Canberra Croatia with a game in hand when the competition was brought to a premature end.
READ MORE: Ryan Grogan focused on APIA
APIA qualified for the Round of 32 for a third time thanks to an extra-time victory over Hakoah in a Cup run that also saw them defeat Northern Tigers, Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Connels Point Rovers.
The side from Lambert Park will be looking to replicate their famous Cup run of 2018 that saw them defeat Melbourne Victory to reach the Quarter Finals before being beaten by eventual Champions Adelaide United.
APIA will have a new Head Coach in charge when they take on Tigers FC on Wednesday night, with Danial Cummins returning for a second stint in the hot seat.
Cummins, who is a former APIA player, returns to the club for a second stint having coached the side to the 2017 NPL NSW Premiership before falling short in the Grand Final against Manly United.
APIA have added a number of new faces ahead of Wednesday’s Cup clash including Macarthur youngsters Yianni Nicolaou and Walter Scott, as well ex-Newcastle Jets midfielder Jack Armson.
They are joined at Lambert Park by U.S. born striker Jason Romero, who arrives from St George City and led the Football NSW League One Golden Boot charts with 19 goals from 16 games when COVID put a halt to football activities.
APIA sat eighth on the NPL NSW standings after 17 rounds of action when the league was abandoned.
You can catch all the action live and free via 10 Play.
Tigers FC vs APIA Leichhardt
Date: TBC
Venue: TBC
Broadcast: Live and free via 10 Play
Tickets: E-mail tigersfcnpl@gmail.com
International viewers can stream the game via our official YouTube channel.
