Western Sydney Wanderers have reclaimed Sydney in emphatic fashion, defeating rivals Sydney FC 3–2 at Allianz Stadium to secure their first Derby victory since December 2019.
In a night defined by belief, resilience and big moments, goals to Amy Chessari, Allyssa Ng-Saad and Yuan Cong sealed a famous win for the Red & Black, holding firm through a tense finish to deliver a result that will live long in Wanderers memory.
The hosts struck first inside eight minutes through Riley Tanner, who capitalised on a perfectly weighted through ball before curling past Shamiran Khamis. But rather than wilt, the Wanderers responded with authority, taking control of possession and steadily imposing themselves on the contest.
Their pressure was rewarded in the most important moment of the half. With the final kick before the break, Amy Chessari unleashed a fierce long-range strike through traffic, leaving the Sydney defence flat-footed and restoring parity at 1–1 heading into the sheds.
The second half began with sustained Wanderers pressure, Sydney forced into desperate goal-line defending as Western Sydney searched for the breakthrough. It arrived on the hour mark through teenager Allyssa Ng-Saad, who showed composure beyond her years to poke home from close range following a goalmouth scramble. The 17-year-old had earlier been introduced after an injury to Holly Caspers, and made her mark when it mattered most.
The Red & Black weren’t done. In the 70th minute, Talia Younis delivered a pinpoint corner that was met by Yuan Cong, the Chinese striker rising strongly to head home and send the travelling Wanderers faithful into raptures.
Sydney FC threatened late through Amber Luchtmeijer’s well-placed strike, setting up a nervous finish, but Western Sydney stood tall. Goalkeeper Shamiran Khamis produced two crucial saves in the closing stages, ensuring the Wanderers held on to complete a historic Derby triumph.
Both sides return to action on Wednesday evening, with Western Sydney travelling to face league leaders Melbourne City, while Sydney FC host Brisbane Roar.
