There’s an air of the unexpected in the national Capital as the final eight teams prepare to learn their fate in the Round Five draw for the Australia Cup Qualifying competition this Wednesday.
With the top three ranked NPL1 teams having fallen by the wayside in Round 3, the battle for the sole Round of 32 Qualifying spot will no doubt intensify as the latter stages of the tournament draw near with all remaining teams believing in the Magic of the Cup.
Five NPL1 teams will be joined by three others from the CPL in the hat for the draw which will take place at Football House, Capital Football Offices, on Wednesday 30 March. The draw will be live streamed on the Capital Football – Official Facebook page.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
ANU FC: Emphatically booked their Quarter Final place by mauling Weston-Molonglo FC 9-0 at the AIS. Hassan Alnuwaysir claimed a cup hat-trick with two injury time strikes, with Chase Deans adding a double to an impressive victory.
Belconnen United: The Blue Devils dumped out Gungahlin United from the competition with a 3-1 win in the Northside derby at the AIS. Substitute Juan Ospina scored the go-head goal after Maxx Green had put Belconnen ahead early on.
Canberra Olympic: Ended Tigers FC grip on the trophy by inflicting a first Cup defeat on the back-to-back holders in 1,431 days. Midfield schemer Alen James came off the bench to bag a late brace in the 4-0 win.
Monaro Panthers: Were given a scare by their CPL opponents Wagga City Wanderers at the Riverside, the lower-ranked team reducing the scoreline to a goal at one stage, but ultimately, helped by a brace from Andre Carle, Panthers got home 3-1.
O’Connor Knights: Had to work hard against State League Belnorth, but a brace from striker Eddie Coggan ensured their passage into the Quarter Finals. Patrick O’Rourke and Michael Adams impressed in the 4-1 win at the AIS.
Queanbeyan City: Saw off fellow CPL outfit White Eagles 3-1 in front of a raucous home crowd at High Street. New signing Abderrahim Dellahi proved just why City were so eager to claim his signature with a second half double.
Tuggeranong United: Hammered their State League opposition Woden Valley to the tune of eight goals to nil. Former NNSW Player of the Year and Golden Boot, Sam Walker, helping himself to a hat-trick, whilst young striker Mark Richards scored twice.
West Canberra Wanderers: Stunned one of the pre-competition favourites in Canberra Croatia with a late goal from midfielder Ben Obst securing a surprise 3-2 win for the Wanderers on the synthetic at Melrose High School.
DETAILS
What: Capital Football Australia Cup Qualifying Quarter Final Draw
When: Wednesday 30 March 2022 at 14:00
Where: Capital Football Offices
Stream: Live stream on Capital Football Facebook Page
