Wellington Phoenix Stage Stunning Comeback to Revive A-League Finals Hopes

Late goals from Tanaka and Fergusson secure vital win over Western Sydney Wanderers

The Wellington Phoenix have breathed new life into their A-League finals aspirations with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Porirua Park. Late strikes from Mebae Tanaka and Olivia Fergusson ended a five-match winless streak, propelling the Phoenix to within a point of the top six.

Head coach Paul Temple hailed the crucial win as a turning point in their campaign.

“This result is massive for us,” Temple said post-match. “We’ve had some results go our way recently but haven’t capitalized. Getting these three points puts us right back in the mix.”

Substitutes Make the Difference

The Phoenix boss credited his bench players for turning the game around, particularly Tanaka, whose stunning equalizer changed the momentum.

“We were talking on the bench about Mebae’s x-factor, and she delivered in the best possible way,” Temple added. “Her goal gave us the spark we needed, and then Fergie [Fergusson] finished brilliantly to secure the win.”

Temple made two changes to the starting XI from last week’s 3-1 defeat to Adelaide United, with Daisy Brazendale and Manaia Elliott replacing Zoe McMeeken and the injured Mackenzie Barry.

A Battle of Resilience

Wellington started brightly, with Fergusson testing the Wanderers’ defense inside the opening minute. Despite dominating early proceedings, the Phoenix struggled to convert their chances. Western Sydney took advantage in the 22nd minute when Bronte Trew pounced on a defensive mix-up to put the visitors ahead.

The Phoenix responded with relentless pressure, with Emma Main and Fergusson coming close to equalizing before halftime. However, Sham Khamis’ heroics in goal ensured the Wanderers held their lead at the break.

After a series of missed opportunities, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute. A corner from the right was only half-cleared, falling perfectly for Tanaka, who unleashed a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. The goal injected fresh energy into the Phoenix, who pressed forward in search of a winner.

With just four minutes remaining, the persistence paid off. Substitute Zoe McMeeken delivered a pinpoint cross, and Fergusson made no mistake, guiding the ball past Khamis to complete the turnaround.

Western Sydney pushed forward in the dying moments but failed to trouble Carolina Vilão in the Phoenix goal. The win also saw Wellington retain the Sister City Cup for a fourth consecutive match.

Looking Ahead

The victory sets up a crucial clash against Sydney FC next weekend, as Wellington Phoenix continue their push for a spot in the A-League finals.

Final Score:

Wellington Phoenix 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Goals:

• Western Sydney Wanderers: Bronte Trew (22′)
• Wellington Phoenix: Mebae Tanaka (75′), Olivia Fergusson (86′)

Yellow Cards:

• Manaia Elliott (Wellington Phoenix) – 23rd minute
• Emma Main (Wellington Phoenix) – 30th minute

The race for the finals is heating up, and with momentum back on their side, the Phoenix are ready to fight for a playoff spot.