Moreland Zebras advance to FFA Cup Round of 32 for first time in club history with win over Altona Magic

On a cold and wet night, nothing could dampen Moreland Zebras’ celebrations after defeating Altona Magic to advance to the FFA Cup national stage for the first time in club history.

Moreland Zebras celebrate their FFA Cup triumph over Altona Magic. Picture: Mark Avellino Photography

Moreland Zebras have advanced to the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the first time in club history.

A second-half Tom Barforosh strike was enough to topple NPL finals contenders Altona Magic at a cold and wet Paisley Park on Wednesday night.

The win puts the NPL2 club on the national stage, where it will have the chance to face the biggest suburban clubs from around Australia or an A-League outfit.

Barforosh had luck on his side when he cut back on to his left foot and his shot slipped through Magic goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas.

Altona had a big penalty shout in the final minutes when a shot hit a Zebras defender’s hand but the referee waved the protests away, issuing two yellow cards to overzealous Magic players.

Nicolas Niagioran in action for Moreland. Picture: Hamish Blair

Nicholas Symeoy in action for Moreland Zebras.

Zebras coach Fausto de Amicis was ecstatic after the win.

“It’s magnificent, I’m so happy for the club,” he said.

“It’s been 35 years since they won their last national league title and for them to get themselves to where they are now, I’m delighted.”

After a heart-breaking 4-3 loss to Port Melbourne Sharks at the same stage last year, de Amicis had his heart in his mouth after Altona’s penalty shout.

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“It wasn’t just the heart,” he said.

“It happens all the time in games like this, when you score you start to defend a bit more and you stop playing your football.

“We’re playing an NPL squad, we knew they were going to come at us, so was it heart in the mouth? One hundred per cent, a little bit shaky.

“At the same time we had some opportunities we didn’t put away and that probably would have finished the game.”

Fair to say we enjoyed this one!!👇👇

Posted by Moreland Zebras FC on Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Altona made a bright start to the game but Moreland slowly took control with captain Cam Watson and Gai Gai dominant in midfield.

Zebras beanpole striker Nicolas Niagioran was outstanding holding the ball up and created havoc in the air for the likes of Barforosh and Jakob Williams to run on to.

The victory also puts Moreland into the semi-finals of the Dockerty Cup, where it will face Hume City.

Despite the historic win, de Amicis isn’t looking past North Geelong in a blockbuster third v fourth NPL2 West clash.

“To be honest, our focus — and this sounds a cliche — but it is definitely North Geelong this Saturday,” he said.

“We’ve created this opportunity to go to the national round, it’s all new for us, new for me … but we must not forget out league is very important.

“North Geelong is going to be a hard one this weekend but with rotations and some good players coming back in, I’ll be able to rest some players.”