Queensland Lions SC 0-0 Perth Glory | Australia FFA Cup | 21 July 2026

In a tightly contested FFA Cup Round of 32 clash at Lions Stadium, Queensland Lions SC and Perth Glory played out a goalless draw that required extra time to separate the sides. After 120 minutes of football, the deadlock remained unbroken, forcing a penalty shootout to determine who advances in Australia’s premier knockout competition.

Match Overview

The National Premier Leagues Queensland side, the Lions, hosted A-League outfit Perth Glory in a classic cup tie. The underdogs more than held their own, frustrating Glory’s attack and creating several opportunities of their own. The match ended 0-0 after regular time, and despite extra time offering few clear openings, the tension was palpable.

Key Moments

• 9th minute – Perth Glory’s Daniel Stynes had a shot blocked on the line by Lions defender Jack Brannan after a goalmouth scramble.
• 36th minute – Lions midfielder Jesse Daley unleashed a dipping shot from 25 yards that forced Glory goalkeeper Oliver Sail into a full-stretch save.
• 68th minute – A cross from Glory’s Trent Ostler was headed goalward by Adam Taggart, but Lions custodian Dylan Carlssen produced a reflex stop.
• 90th minute – The Lions nearly snatched it in stoppage time when a corner found an unmarked head, but the effort flew over the bar.
• 105th minute – Perth’s Josh Rawlins struck the post with a curling free kick from the left edge of the area.

Tactical Story

Queensland Lions employed a disciplined 4-4-2 shape, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. Their game plan was executed superbly, with the midfield trio of Daley, McGowan, and Wenzel-Halls pressing high to disrupt Glory’s rhythm. Perth Glory, under head coach Alen Stajcic, dominated possession in a 4-3-3 but lacked the final pass against a well-drilled low block. The Lions’ fitness was tested in extra time, but they held firm.

Standout Players

• Dylan Carlssen (Queensland Lions) – The goalkeeper was immense, making several crucial saves and commanding his area well.
• Jack Brannan (Queensland Lions) – The centre-back made countless clearances, blocks, and won aerial duels against more experienced strikers.
• Oliver Sail (Perth Glory) – Kept his side in the contest with sharp reflexes and calm distribution.

FFA Cup Context

The FFA Cup is known for giant-killing acts, and Queensland Lions came within a whisker of adding to that tradition. The draw will now be decided by penalties, with the winner booking a spot in the Round of 16. For Perth Glory, avoiding a shock defeat against a semi-professional side was a relief, but questions will be asked about their inability to break down a determined lower-league defence.