The Western Sydney Wanderers will travel to Melbourne next Tuesday night to take on NPL Victoria leaders Heidelberg United in the Round of 16 of the Hahn Australia Cup.
The Red & Black return to Cup action following a productive pre-season tour in Indonesia, where they featured in an international friendly against Indonesian giants Persib Bandung.
In front of a passionate crowd, the Wanderers showed strong defensive resilience in a narrow 1-0 defeat, using the opportunity to build cohesion and match sharpness ahead of a demanding season.
That preparation was on full display in their Round of 32 clash, where they comfortably dispatched Peninsula Power 3-0. Bozhidar Kraev starred in his competitive debut with a first-half brace, while Kosta Barbarouses added a third as the Wanderers cruised to victory in their first official fixture of the campaign.
Heidelberg United earned their place in the Round of 16 with a composed 2-0 win over Weston Bears.
Asahi Yokokawa opened the scoring midway through the first half after sustained pressure, before Max Bisetto sealed the result late with a well-taken goal on the break.
Despite resistance from a spirited Weston side, Heidelberg’s experience and quality shone through, a performance befitting a team currently sitting top of the NPL Victoria table.
With both sides entering the match on the back of strong performances, Tuesday’s tie promises to be a competitive and compelling encounter.
The Wanderers will be looking to continue their promising start to the season and progress deeper into the competition, while Heidelberg will relish the challenge of testing themselves against A-Leagues opposition on home turf.
Match Details
Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16
Heidelberg United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Tuesday 12 August, 7:30pm
Olympic Park, Heidelberg West
