The Wellington Phoenix will play A-League rivals Macarthur in the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup.
The Phoenix reached the last eight after a goal by prodigal player Costa Barbarouses sparked a 2-1 win against Melbourne City in Wednesday’s Round of 16 tie at Casey Fields.
Barbarouses, returning to his boyhood club for this season, fired the Phoenix into the lead in the 19th minute.
Fellow All White Ben Waine doubled the Phoenix lead after 36 minutes.
Despite having only 35% of the game’s possession, the Phoenix soaked up pressure and held Melbourne City until the 84th minute when Mathew Leckie pulled back a goal.
However, the Phoenix saw out the game and now look forward to the quarter-final clash against the Dwight Yorke-managed Macarthur side.
The game has been confirmed for Wednesday August 31, to be played at Campbelltown Stadium, starting at 9.30pm (NZT).
Main photo: Costa Barbarouses celebrates his goal with teammates.
Match stats
Shots (on target): Melbourne 19 (6), Phoenix 10 (4)
Corners: Melbourne 6, Phoenix 1
Possession: Melbourne 65%, Phoenix 35%
Passes: Melbourne 620, Phoenix 340
Pass accuracy: Melbourne 85%, Phoenix 70%
Fouls: Melbourne 22, Phoenix 9
Yellow cards: Melbourne 2, Phoenix 2
Offsides: Melbourne 0, Phoenix 2
Match replay in full
Quarter-final draw
Former Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold made the quarter-final draw which is:
Sydney FC v Oakleigh Cannons
Peninsula Power v Sydney United
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Macarthur v Wellington Phoenix
Here’s how the draw happened:
Visit the Phoenix Kit Hub
Here’s where you can buy your Wellington Phoenix apparel: