The Wanderers produced a hard-fought performance last night, battling to a 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar in front of a lively home crowd at Wanderers Football Park.
It was a match that tested every ounce of grit and determination from the Wanderers, with moments of promise mixed with a few frustrations along the way.
For goalkeeper Sham Khamis, the game carried added significance. Having reached her 100th appearance in last week’s away fixture, she stepped onto the pitch for her 101st game, continuing a remarkable journey with the club that has seen her become one of its most consistent and respected leaders.
Throughout the match, Sham’s experience was clear – organising the defence, keeping her teammates motivated, and staying focused even when circumstances were challenging.
The Wanderers showed resilience after conceding, and the team’s commitment was evident when a teammate went down with an injury during play. Sham was at the centre of it all, offering support and direction while maintaining her focus in goal.
A clear demonstration of the leadership qualities she’s displayed throughout her career.
Reflecting on the match, Sham admitted it was a tough one to take. “It’s a bit of a tough one to soak in, not going to lie. I think we deserved more in that game,” she said.
“It’s never easy to lose a player to injury like that (Chloe Berryhill), but we should be proud that we got the point and just continue to move on.”
The goalkeeper also took a moment to reflect on the celebration of her milestone with the crowd.
“I’m very grateful and fortunate. I play the game for them. They’ve sacrificed so much in my career, and I came out here to enjoy myself,” Sham said.
“I’m proud of reaching 100 and I did it out there for them today. They’re always supporting me, no matter the goalkeeper colours I’m wearing.”
Looking ahead, Sham and the Wanderers remain confident that a breakthrough win is on the horizon.
“We’re going to learn from today. We’ll take the points we need, move on to next week, and we know the win is coming. We just have to stick to our guns, continue to work hard in training, and believe in each other that the three points aren’t far off,” she said.
While the Wanderers continue to chase that elusive victory, Sham Khamis’ milestone stands as a testament to her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the club.
On nights like this, it’s clear that her influence extends far beyond her goal line, inspiring her teammates and the next generation of Wanderers fans alike.
