Substitute Ben Folami the hero in Melbourne Victory’s A-League win over Macarthur FC

He had to bide his time on the bench but Ben Folami made a telling impact after coming on as a substitute for Melbourne Victory on Sunday.

Ben Folami reminded Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic of his ability with a late winner at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.

Perhaps the forgotten man of the Victory’s attacking arsenal following the club’s recent acquisition of Bruno Fornaroli, substitute Folami scored in the 84th minute to secure the Melbourne club a 1-0 away win over Macarthur FC.

The recipient of a well-placed through ball from fellow replacement Nishan Velupillay, Sydney-born Folami produced a decisive finish to ensure the Victory returned from the World Cup break on a high after suffering a disappointing 3-0 loss to Adelaide United the weekend before the competition went into recess last month.

“The boss (Popovic) spoke to me before I came on. He told me to make runs in behind (and) impact the game wherever I can and lucky enough was able to do that today,” 23-year-old Folami told Paramount +.

“When you’re on the bench, you’re always looking at how you can affect the game and that’s what I did.”

Despite his goal, former Ipswich Town winger Folami was unsure whether his cameo would be enough to force his way back into the Victory’s starting line-up.

“That (the goal) is definitely not going to hurt, but it’s up to the boss,” he said.

“Whether I start or come on from the bench I’m here to help the team.”

Nick D’Agostino (top) celebrates with goalscorer Ben Folami after Melbourne Victory’s win over Macarthur FC. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Folami seemed unlucky not to have earnt a penalty for his team in the 61st minute when he appeared to be pushed over by Tomislav Uskok after outpacing the Bulls centre-back.

However, referee Jonathan Barreiro waved play on, and the VAR didn’t intervene.

“It’s probably not a penalty – I’m not going to lie,” said Folami, who had replaced Fornaroli in the 58th minute.

“It’s one of those ones where you’re looking for it as a striker. This time it didn’t pull off for me but lucky enough I was able to score a goal.”

Earlier, Victory striker Nick D’Agostino had a great chance to open the scoring in the 43rd minute after being found unmarked just by a clever square ball from Nani.

However, D’Agostino failed to get over his shot, with the ball flying over the crossbar.

The visitors continued to attack early in the second half and it was only a brilliant save from Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto that prevented the Victory taking the lead in the 54th minute through D’Agostino.

However, the Victory were ultimately rewarded for their perseverance against a Macarthur side that offered little in attack.

Macarthur captain Ulises Davila said: “We’re disappointed with the result but we need to keep going for next week.

“Unfortunately they scored at the end, and that’s football.”

Originally published as Substitute Ben Folami the hero in Melbourne Victory’s A-League win over Macarthur FC