A last-gasp winner from central defender Samuel Raciti ensured Yoogali SC progressed into the Quarter Finals of the Capital Football Federation Cup, Australia Cup Round 5, with a 2-1 success over rivals Wagga City Wanderers in the Riverina Derby at Rawlings Park.

Raciti broke Wagga City hearts on a night of cup drama in the Riverina as Yoogali put aside their National Premier League woes to see off the home team and book a place amongst the last eight, one step away from their best ever cup performance, the semi-finals in 2021.

There was little to choose between the teams throughout the contest, a goalless first-half leaving both teams with dreams of progression during the half-time break, and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with the vital opening goal ten minutes after the restart.

Midfield maestro Isaac Donadel provided it, a crucial moment in the tie, and one that left the lower-ranked Wanderers chasing the match. Wagga have started the season reasonably well in the Capital Premier League though, a win and a loss giving them confidence off the back off knocking out Brindabella Blues in Round 3.

And they made the breakthrough to level matters with five minutes left as Nashwan Sulaiman found space to bring the teams all-square and set up the prospect of an extra half-an-hour, after goalkeeper Tim Kross had saved a penalty from Yoogali skipper Darren Bailey.

Yoogali had other ideas however and Raciti struck in the first minute of stoppage time to send Yoogali through and leave Wanderers crestfallen at the conclusion of what was a classic cup encounter.

RESULT

Tuesday 16 April

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Sulaiman 85’) Yoogali SC 2 (I. Donadel 55’, Raciti 90+1’)