Wellington Phoenix’s top-six hopes extinguished despite win in Christchurch

Saturday, 18 April 2026

At Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch: Wellington Phoenix 2 (Ifeanyi Eze 16’, Kazuki Nagasawa 56’) Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Brandon Borrello 41’). HT: 1-1.

Tim Payne laid on two assists as Wellington Phoenix earned a stay of execution with a 2-1 win over wooden spooners Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch.

The victory – a fourth in seven games under interim coach Chris Greenacre – lifted the Phoenix up to seventh but ultimately wasn’t enough to keep their season alive.

Phoenix players celebrate Ifeanyi Eze’s opening goal.

Imports Ifeanyi Eze and Kazuki Nagasawa scored from Payne crosses, either side of Brandon Borrello’s reply, in front of 11,066 at Apollo Projects Stadium – justifying the club’s decision to take a home game away from Wellington.

The All Whites fullback’s delivery proved decisive as the Phoenix did what they had to against bottom-placed opposition to keep their finals hopes flickering, albeit briefly.

Melbourne City’s subsequent 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar officially ended their charge, leaving them four points outside the top six with one game remaining.

“We’re delighted with the win,” Greenacre said after the game. “It was important we put on a show for the people of Christchurch. They love their sport and love their football.

“We wanted to keep our dreams alive and if it was taken out of our hands, we wanted the other teams to work for it.”

Greenacre reserved praise for Payne, the All Whites’ first-choice right back who has endured a frustrating run with injuries.“

Kazuki Nagasawa skips out of the tackle of Nathan Barrie.

“He was magnificent. There aren’t many players that can put the ball on a sixpence like he can and I think Eze and Kazu scored two really good headers. Tim has had a couple of injuries this year but showed his quality tonight.”

The Wanderers had earlier caught Wellington napping with a short-corner routine four minutes before halftime.

Eze’s strike was his 10th of the season, moving the Nigerian within one of golden boot leader Sam Cosgrove.

Josh Oluwayemi made a vital save to deny Bozhidar Kraev in stoppage time to secure the points.

What’s next

The Phoenix end their season away to Macarthur FC next Friday, knowing they can’t finish any higher than seventh.

Phoenix captain Alex Rufer applauds the crowd on fulltime.

It is the second year in a row they have failed to reach the finals.

Captain Alex Rufer will miss the trip to Campbelltown through suspension after collecting his eighth yellow card for a first-half foul on Ryan Fraser.

Off contract at season’s end, Rufer may already have played his final game if a new deal isn’t agreed.

Greenacre made one change to his starting side, with Lukas Kelly-Heald replacing Dan Edwards at left back, while former Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses did not travel with the Wanderers.