In a historic first for the club, the Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s have secured a place in this year’s Sapphire Cup Semi-Finals, following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over UNSW FC after the match ended 2-2 at the conclusion of extra time on a Wednesday evening at Wanderers Football Park.
UNSW FC opened the scoring shortly after the break, with striker Demi Koulizakis finding the net in the 49th minute.
The Wanderers responded twelve minutes from full time through substitute Freda Karaberis, sending the match into extra time at 1-1.
Chelsea Barton looked to have sealed the win for the Red & Black with a goal in the 101st minute, but Allira Toby equalised for UNSW in the 110th, pushing the contest to a tense penalty shootout.
The Wanderers held their nerve from the spot, prevailing 5-4 to book a Semi-Final clash with APIA Leichhardt FC. The winner will advance to the Sapphire Cup Final, set for 10 July at Valentine Sports Park.
The other Semi-Final will see Mt Druitt Town Rangers face the Macarthur Rams, scheduled for Wednesday 18 June at Popondetta Park.
Both fixtures will be streamed live and exclusively on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.
2025 Sapphire Cup Semi-Final
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v APIA Leichhardt FC
Wednesday 18th of June, 7:30pm
Wanderers Football Park
