The Western Sydney Wanderers have kicked off their 2025/26 campaign in style, cruising into the Round of 16 of the Hahn Australia Cup with a dominant 3-0 win over Queensland NPL side Peninsula Power on Tuesday night.
It was the Red & Black’s first competitive hit-out of the new season and they wasted no time in making a statement.
Bozhidar Kraev bagged a clinical first-half brace, while Kosta Barbarouses added a third before the break to cap off a ruthless opening 45 minutes.
More than just a win, the match offered Wanderers members and fans their first glimpse at the club’s exciting new signings in action, with several fresh faces impressing under the bright lights of A.J. Kelly Park.
The performance showed clear signs of continuity and growth from last season’s A-Leagues campaign, with the squad looking sharp, organised and eager to take the next steps in 2025/26.
The Peninsula Power lifted in the second half and tested Lawrence Thomas with a couple of decent chances, but the Wanderers never looked troubled as they managed the game confidently until the final whistle.
With their Cup journey off to a flying start, the Wanderers will now set their sights on securing a maiden Hahn Australia Cup title and with Stajcic at the helm and momentum building, this could be the year the trophy heads to Western Sydney.
