Mariners keep title defence alive with Adelaide win
April 19, 2014
Ibini´s rasping drive into the bottom corner of the net in the 67th minute brought the crowd to their feet and the champions held on to the slender lead to advance to the semi-finals.
The Mariners will take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in the last four next Saturday, while Melbourne Victory will face twice champions Brisbane Roar a day later for a place in the final on May 4.
Table-toppers Brisbane and second-placed Wanderers had already booked their playoffs ticket weeks ago as the top two sides during the regular A-League season.
Brazilian playmaker Guilherme Finkler ensured the Victory joined them after he scored an 92 minute winner on Friday to knock out Sydney FC.
Victory´s 2-1 home win could also spell the end of former Italy and Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero´s playing career in Australia.
Del Piero´s two-year contract with Sydney has now ended and it was unclear if the 39-year-old will extend his stay in the harbour city for a third season.
Archie Thompson opened the scoring for the Victory in the 19th minute, curling home at the back post after Del Piero had been dispossessed in the middle of the pitch.
Sebastian Ryall put Sydney level, though, 12 minutes before halftime after converting a cross from Ali Abbas at close range for his third goal in four games this season against his old club.
The game looked headed for extra-time until Adama Traore´s cross from the left found Finkler, who calmly slotted home the winner.
