Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMSubstitute's late strike powers Phoenix to win over Victory
Sebastian Tan, AAP • April 5th, 2026 6:30 pm
Wellington have sealed their first away win against Melbourne Victory since 2017 | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Substitute Sander Kartum has netted a crucial late goal to keep Wellington's hopes of making the A-League Men's finals afloat, upsetting a sub-par Melbourne Victory 1-0 at AAMI Park.
Having not won against the Victory in Melbourne since 2017, the visitors were poised to continue their hoodoo and settle for a 0-0 stalemate on Sunday.
A draw would have been a missed opportunity after the Phoenix had countless opportunities and dominated large parts of the contest, frustrating a Victory side who couldn't overcome their opponents' rigid defence.
But 16 minutes after coming on, Kartum found Wellington's deserved goal in the 89th minute when a lofted cross from Ifeanyi Eze found the Norwegian import on the right of the penalty area and he volleyed the ball in via the left post.
Sander Kartum's 89th-minute strike kept Wellington's finals hopes alive | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
The result for Wellington keeps their finals campaign alive as they move within one point of the sixth-placed Macarthur FC (31 points).
For Melbourne, their hopes of claiming the Premier's Plate are all but dashed as a victory would have brought them within two points of the second-placed Auckland (40 points), who they play next round.
The Kiwis are only three points behind the ladder-leading Newcastle (43 points), who the Victory play in the following week, meaning three points from all three matches would lay the platform for a late run at the premiership.
But after the loss, the Victory now sit eight points away from Newcastle with three games remaining.
Wellington had an early chance go begging when Corban Piper met a cross at the back post but clattered his shot into the crossbar.
Things worsened for Melbourne when Juan Mata slipped awkwardly and was left gripping his elbow before Sebastian Esposito was substituted off in the 21st minute after falling on his head.
After scores were locked 0-0 at halftime, Mata returned with a bandage over his elbow and helped Victory begin to slowly work themselves into the contest.
Wellington had another opportunity go to waste when defender Bill Tuiloma found himself free from a corner, but dragged his header wide of the left post in the 83rd minute.
Kartum finally rewarded the visitors with his strike and the Phoenix withstood a desperate Melbourne to win.
Subscribe to Sport Nation's weekly football podcast Studs Up! on Spotify.
Which All White would Ledley King pick to save Spurs? | Studs Up!
