Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres intent on guiding Sky Blues to success in AFC Champions League Two battle

A Socceroos midfielder continues to shine for a Sydney FC team keen to taste success in the A-League and the AFC Champions League Two competition.

Fresh from his last-gasp equaliser in a pulsating Sydney derby, Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is ready to again deliver for the Sky Blues in the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Two competition.

Sydney FC hosts Thai outfit Bangkok United at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night in a round-of-16, first-leg battle, with the superb Caceres intent on stamping his authority on yet another high-stakes encounter.

Not only did Caceres score deep into stoppage time on Saturday night at the same venue to ensure the Sky Blues levelled scores at 3-3 in a thrilling contest against the Wanderers, he also played the decisive pass that led to Sydney’s first goal – scored by Patryk Klimala – as part of a memorable derby display.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, with the former Central Coast and Melbourne City star in career-best form that finally, at the age of 32, earnt him a deserved Socceroos debut in November when he played in FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Anthony Caceres continues to star for Sydney FC. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“It was an extremely satisfying and relieving moment,” Caceres said of his long-awaited national team recognition.

“It was like an itch I couldn’t scratch. The question was in the back of my mind about whether that chance would come.

“Thankfully, (Socceroos coach) Tony Popovic gave me the opportunity, and I’m eternally grateful for it.

“It was an experience that is the highlight of my career. I don’t think it gets any bigger than representing your country, and it gave me great satisfaction.”

Should Caceres maintain his form, there seems little doubt that he will be selected in Australia’s squad for next month’s games against Indonesia and China.

“For me, consistency is key. I’ve learned now with experience how to prepare and how to make sure that I’m fit to be at my best every week, but the most important thing is that I’m happy, enjoying my football and lucky enough to play for my home city and in front of my family,” he said.

“I’m in a really good place in terms of my head space in the game. I’m really enjoying it.

“I’m at a club where I really feel at home. I feel that I have responsibility within the team which allows me to be at my best, and now being an older player, I’m one of the guys responsible for leading the team on and off the field, and it’s a responsibility I really enjoy.”

To help you get through Monday morning, enjoy the final few minutes of Saturday night when Allianz Stadium hit a volume level we haven't seen in many, many years 🔊

It gives us chills every time we watch this 🥶#SydneyIsSkyBluepic.twitter.com/8tCzJJ0CGB

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) February 9, 2025

It’s that desire to be influential that will ensure Caceres is again at the forefront of Sydney’s bid to grab the advantage on home soil on Wednesday night in a two-legged contest that will conclude next week in Bangkok.

“This is a unique opportunity to represent the club and the country in an Asian competition, and it’s a chance for people to see teams that they normally wouldn’t watch play,” he said.

“We’re aiming to reward our fans with a good result. We have our principles and our beliefs and won’t compromise those.

“We go out there in every game to look to win and to be aggressive with our press and be on the front foot.

“That’s what our fans demand. They want to see a team that’s hungry to win, and that’s going to be our approach.”

Originally published as Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres intent on guiding Sky Blues to success in AFC Champions League Two battle