Wellington Phoenix FC moved up to fourth place on the Ninja A-League ladder after a strong 3–0 away win over Western Sydney Wanderers FC on Tuesday night.
The match at Wanderers Football Park had a special feeling, with a large Nepalese crowd turning out to support their hero, Sabitra Bhandari, known to fans as “Samba”.
Fast start from the Phoenix
Wellington wasted no time making an impact. In the 7th minute, they won the ball high up the pitch and attacked quickly. Samba’s shot looked to be drifting wide, but Emma Main reacted fastest to deflect it into the net and give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
The crowd roared every time Samba touched the ball, though frustration followed soon after when she was fouled late by Alana Cerne.
Wanderers fight, but Phoenix stay on top
The Wanderers pushed to equalise and created a few chances. Goalkeeper Shamiran Khamis kept her side in the game just before half-time with a sharp save from a Grace Jale free kick.
Samba thought she had scored before the break, finishing from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Samba delivers after the break
The Nepalese star did not have to wait long to celebrate. Just three minutes into the second half, Samba pounced on a loose ball in the box and smashed it past Khamis to make it 2–0.
Only four minutes later, she struck again, this time as the provider. Samba burst forward from halfway and calmly squared the ball to Emma Main, who finished from close range for her second goal of the night.
Tough night for the Wanderers
It was a disappointing evening for the home side, who managed their first shot on target only in the 85th minute, when captain Amy Harrison’s free kick was comfortably saved by Wellington keeper Victoria Esson. The loss leaves the Wanderers bottom of the table after eight matches.
Phoenix on the rise
For Wellington, the result marked their first away win of the season and a second straight victory. With Samba leading the way, the Phoenix now sit fourth on the Ninja A-League ladder, full of confidence heading into the next round.
Match Highlights