Canberra Croatia have fallen to defeat at the hands of NWS Spirit in Round Three of the Australian Championship at Christie Park, in an end to end clash.

It was a dream start for Croatia as a lightning quick counter attack off the back of a Spirit corner saw them open the scoring three minutes in.

The side sprang forward, with the ball making its way to Shandon Whitehead, who spotted Spirit keeper Christopher Marques off his line, and expertly lobbed the shot-stopper first time to open the scoring.

The hosts responded well and would equalise only nine minutes later. Michael Konestabo received a cross at the far post and saw his looping, deflected effort bounce into the goal, levelling proceedings.

Both sides traded blows, with some sensational goalkeeping and goal line clearances at both ends keeping it level.

Marques pulled off a miraculous double save in the closing stages of the first half, first denying Lukman Ahmed-Shaibu from close range before recovering well to keep out Shoki Yoshida’s effort on the rebound.

Spirit would take the lead just after the hour mark, Aedon Kyra steered home a first time volley off a well placed cross from Aiden Mostofi found Kyra in the middle of the box.

Despite pushing hard in the final 30 minutes, Croatia couldn’t find an equaliser, with Spirit walking away with the three points.

Croatia will now look to regroup ahead of a clash against Group Leaders Avondale FC at Deakin Stadium.

MATCH DETAILS

Saturday 1 November 2025

Australian Championship

Canberra Croatia v Avondale FC

(Deakin Stadium, Canberra, 13:00)

LIVE ON SBS ON DEMAND

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Avondale SC	3	1	2	0	6	4	+2	5
2	NWS Spirit	3	1	2	0	6	5	-1	5
3	Canberra Croatia	3	1	0	2	5	7	-2	3
4	Preston Lions	3	0	2	1	3	4	-1	2