Wellington Phoenix Triumphs 3-0 Over Wanderers in Sydney

Wellington Phoenix delivered a commanding performance on January 9, 2025, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park in Sydney. This win marked a significant milestone for the Phoenix, ending their 355-day wait for an away victory in the A-League Women.

The match began with the Phoenix demonstrating their attacking prowess early on. Striker Emma Main opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game, capitalizing on a setup from fellow forward Sabitra Bhandari. The Nepalese international, who has quickly become a standout player for the Phoenix, played a pivotal role throughout the match, contributing to both goals that followed.

Bhandari doubled the lead in the 48th minute, netting her third goal in two games. She finished emphatically after a cross from Brooke Nunn deflected off a Wanderers defender. Just five minutes later, Bhandari assisted Main again, allowing her to secure her brace and further solidify the team’s dominance.

The Phoenix’s solid defense was another highlight of the match. Goalkeeper Victoria Esson faced minimal threats, with the Wanderers managing only one shot on target throughout the entire 90 minutes. The defensive trio of Ellie Walker, Mackenzie Barry, and Marisa van der Meer has played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping the Phoenix maintain the best defensive record in the league.

Significance of the Victory

This win was particularly significant for the Phoenix, as they had not won an away match in Australia since defeating the same opponents by a 3-0 scoreline almost a year ago. Following this latest victory, the Phoenix climbed from ninth to fourth place in the league standings, putting them in contention for finals qualification. They currently sit six points behind league leaders Canberra United, with two games in hand.

The atmosphere at Wanderers Football Park was electric, with a strong turnout of Phoenix supporters, many of whom came to cheer for Bhandari. Chants of “Samba, Samba, Samba” echoed throughout the stadium, further motivating the players on the pitch.

Looking Ahead

Next, the Phoenix will aim to secure their third consecutive victory when they face Brisbane Roar at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe on Saturday. This match is part of a doubleheader, featuring both the Phoenix and Roar men’s teams, and represents a crucial opportunity for the Phoenix to build momentum as they continue their pursuit of success in the league.

New signing Emma Pijnenburg made her debut during the match, coming off the bench after joining the team from Dutch club Feyenoord just a day prior. She replaced captain CJ Bott, who was withdrawn as a precautionary measure after sustaining a knock to her knee.

As the season progresses, the Phoenix will look to build on this victory and continue their rise up the standings, hoping to replicate their recent form and secure a place in the finals.