Truganina has survived a crazy finish to its FFA Cup first round encounter with Twin City Wanderers.
The Hornets came away with a 5-2 win at Arndell Park Reserve on Saturday, but it was by no means a comfortable experience.
Three of the Hornets’ goals came in 30 minutes of extra time after the sides were locked two-all after 90 minutes.
Hornets coach Sergio Lunedei was frustrated that it took so long to put away the efficient Wanderers.
“It should’ve happened earlier, but that’s the way it is,” he said. “We created heaps of chances and they only had about two shots, but it was just two good opportunities they put away, so it was pretty frustrating.
“We knew that with an extra 30 minutes, if we scored one we’d be able to put away another two or three, and that’s what happened.”
The star of the show for Truganina was Senanu Oforikumah, who fired in a hat-trick to complete his dominant play around the field.
The swag of goals was a bit of a surprise considering the positional change Oforikumah underwent in the summer.
“He was a striker last season, but I’ve modified his role to play more external, so now he plays as a left wing,” Lunedei said. “No one could’ve stopped him today… He just worked hard from the kick-off to the last minute.”
Tha Nayaye and Kevin Menda had a major impact in the midfield for Truganina, Menda capping his game off with a goal.
Substitute Chol Dongrin, a young striker with potential, also found the back of the net.
“Last year he was playing in our metro side that won the league,” Lunedei said. “I selected him in the reserves this year but he’s getting his chance with the seniors.”
Truganina’s defence was marshalled by the impenetrable Reece Mamic. “He was just a giant,” Lunedei said. “He cleaned up everything at the back. Each person coming into the backline, he was on them. He had a massive impact on the game.”
Meanwhile, the cup dream is over for Point Cook, which was eliminated following a 1-0 loss to Point Cook at Saltwater Reserve on Saturday.
