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The Big Blue will light up one of the two semi-finals in the 2026 Australia Cup after Melbourne Victory fought their way to a 1-0 victory against APIA Leichhardt. Victory secured their berth in the final four with a narrow win earned in extra time, with the A-League side proving too much to handle for APIA in their bout at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night. The two sides played out a very competitive clash, a regular sight in this year’s edition of the Cup which has featured six upset wins by NPL clubs against A-League teams as well as various wins by lower division state teams against top flight state opponents. Victory largely controlled proceedings, but it was APIA who put the ball in the back of the net for the first time with a clever free kick play that saw captain Sean Symons knock the ball in during the 55th minute of the contest. Unfortunately for the current NPL NSW leaders, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the game at 0-0. Neither team could score in the first 90 minutes, forcing the contest into extra time. Victory almost immediately found the breakthrough when Keegan Jelacic found former South Melbourne striker Harrison Sawyer in the box. The marksman guided it in with his left to give his team the lead in the 93rd minute, the goal ultimately proving to be the decisive moment of the match. The win secured Victory’s place in the semi-final where they will face rivals Sydney FC, who earned their ticket after beating SD Raiders 1-0 on Tuesday in normal time. Both teams are vying for their third Australia Cup trophy. On the other side of the bracket, South Melbourne will strive to also make the final four when they take on Preston Lions on Wednesday 26 August. Hellas, the only Greek background club remaining in the competition, is looking to earn their place in the semis for the third time in the competition’s history. Should they win, South Melbourne will rate themselves a good chance to make it to the final as their potential opponents are also state teams (Lions FC and North Sunshine Eagles).