A late goal from Norwegian Sander Kartum has seen the Wellington Phoenix claim a dramatic 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory to record their first win at AAMI Park in nine years, while keeping their dream of an A-League playoff berth alive.
With the contest heading for a stalemate, Ifeanyi Eze’scross found Kartum at the back-post, who then volleyed the ball in via the left post for his second goal of the season.
The hoodoo-breaking victory lifts the Phoenix to seventh, just one point behind Macarthur at the foot of the playoff places, although they could be overtaken by Melbourne City or Central Coast Mariners depending on the outcome of their match on Tuesday.
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) April 5, 2026
It’s also the first time since January 2023 the Phoenix have won three-straight matches, having beaten Brisbane Roar 2-1 and Perth Glory 2-0 in their past outings.
Interim manager Chris Greenacre said he is proud of the fighting spirit of his players as they remain in the playoff hunt.
“I think we’ve said from word go that while it’s mathematically possible, we’re going to give everything we can to try and get into that top six,” Greenacre said.
“I said to the players before the game with some of the results that have gone around on Easter weekend that no one’s going to do us any favours and it’s down to us to dig in and really put on a show and I think we did that.
“I’m delighted for the players, they deserve their reward for that and, you know, we’re back here in a week’s time against Melbourne City which will be another tough game for us which I hope we’ll attack in the same manner.”
Sander Kartum celebrates his goal against Melbourne Victory. Photo / Photosport
Since Greenacre took charge, the Phoenix have claimed 10 out of a possible 15 competition points on offer.
Greenacre was coy on his future and if he will be handed the manager role on a permanent basis beyond the season, but said he wants the role.
“Am I the person to sit in this chair for the full time? I hope so, but again I’ve been in football a long time and until that happens I’ve just got to focus on the day job which I’m trying to do each day. I’m literally going day by day and that seems to be working at the moment so I’ll continue to do that.”
The Phoenix do have a tough run to finish the season, and are back at AAMI Park on Sunday when they face Melbourne City before facing the Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch and Macarthur in Sydney to round out the season.
