Sydney FC knocked out of Australia Cup by NPL club in huge upset

Sydney FC’s Australia Cup defence is already over, with the Sky Blues beaten by a NPL Victoria club.

Oakleigh’s Emlyn Wellsmore celebrates scoring against Sydney FC. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Sydney FC’s Australia Cup defence has come to a shock and abrupt end, with the Sky Blues beaten 3-1 by NPL Victoria club Oakleigh Cannons.

Among the 10 A-League clubs that entered the knockout competition at the round-of-32 stage, the Sydneysiders – who lifted the Cup last year with a 3-1 final win over Brisbane Roar – were sent packing on Tuesday night in Bundoora in a huge Cup boilover.

Oakleigh went ahead in the 14th minute through Kingsley Sinclair, before new Sky Blues import Anas Ouahim equalised from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.

Oakleigh Cannons players celebrate during their Australia Cup upset win over Sydney FC. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

However, the Cannons were quick to regain control, restoring their lead in the 38th minute through striker Asad Kasumovic.

Defender Emlyn Wellsmore sealed the upset win with a 74th-minute goal to book the Cannons a spot in the round of 16.

It was the second time in three years that Oakleigh had beaten Sydney in the Cup, with the Cannons having knocked out the Sky Blues in the 2022 quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.

In Tuesday night’s other round-of-32 matches, Macarthur FC beat O’Connor Knights 2-1, Moreton City Excelsior thrashed Campbelltown City 5-1, and Hume City spanked Darwin Hearts 6-0.