Manny Aguek stole the spotlight for South Melbourne as the Australia Cup top goalscorer painted a masterpiece in front of 3,395 fans at Lakeside Stadium — scoring from more than 50 yards out while the hosts were down to ten men.
The win continued South’s strong start in the Australian Championship, as they reinforced Lakeside’s reputation as a fortress with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over NPL Queensland Premiers Moreton City Excelsior.
Sticky and humid conditions set the tone for a slow, possession-based first half dominated by the hosts. Max Mikkola and Yuki Uchida both struck the post, underlining South’s attacking intent, but Excelsior held firm to reach the break on level terms.
Lakeside was in need of a spark — and it arrived almost instantly after the restart. Hahn Australian Cup Golden Boot winner Aguek was introduced by coach Sinisa Cohazdic and scored with his first touch of the ball. Painter-Andrews drove down the right flank and cut the ball back to Uchida, whose shot was spilled by Moreton City goalkeeper Nathan Foster, allowing Aguek to pounce and open the scoring.
After conceding, the visitors shifted into damage-control mode, retaining possession and attempting to stifle South’s attacking rhythm.
In the 73rd minute, Moreton captain Declan Smith tried desperately to clear his lines deep in defence, only for South forward Nauel Bonada to be shown a straight red card for an overzealous challenge as he attempted to win the ball back.
Down a player and protecting a slender lead, South were forced onto the back foot — until Aguek once again produced a moment of brilliance. Hustling to regain possession, he surged forward alone into the attacking half and unleashed an audacious long-range strike, catching the goalkeeper off his line to seal the result.
“I knew once the ball dropped that the 'keeper was high,” Aguek said post-match.
“My second touch was to set myself - I’ve always got goal-scoring intentions. I hadn’t scored last week, so I knew this week I had to get on the scoresheet.”
According to Moreton City Excelsior staff, captain Smith played out the remainder of the match nursing a fractured cheekbone from his collision with Bonada.
South Melbourne now travel to Newcastle to face Broadmeadow Magic, while Moreton City Excelsior return to Perry Park to meet Sydney Olympic FC in Round 3 of the competition.