A comical own goal from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi sparked a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland FC, prompting coach Giancarlo Italiano to dramatically announce his resignation in the post-match press conference.
Oluwayemi’s 24th-minute howler looks destined to be a permanent feature on goalkeeper gaffe compilations after the Phoenix No 1 completely misjudged a Jake Girdwood-Reich clearance at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
Approximately 75 metres out from Wellington’s goal, Girdwood-Reich cleared a ball downfield and caught Oluwayemi out of his box. Whether the wind played a part or not, the keeper misjudged the flight of the ball and was forced to backpedal before heading it into his own net.
Oluwayemi’s blunder was the catalyst for a first-half implosion and the goalkeeper was so out of sorts he was subbed off at half-time by Italiano and replaced by Alby Kelly-Heald.
Afterwards, Italiano revealed he had stood down as Phoenix manager with immediate effect.
The Australian coach has spent the last seven years in the New Zealand capital, having previously served as Ufuk Talay’s assistant before getting the top gig for the 2023-24 season.
Italiano took the Phoenix to a second-place finish in his first campaign in charge but they slumped to 11th last season and currently sit 10th, having failed to win in their last five games.
“To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable, I take full responsibility,” Italiano said. “I’ve told the club, I’ve tendered my resignation. I think it’s easier for someone to come in with new energy and refocus the group.”
Auckland only had three shots on target in the first half but led 4-0 at the break. Guillermo May found the back of the net with a well-taken finish in the 41st minute. Jesse Randall grabbed a double, his second ending Oluwayemi’s afternoon when he chipped the goalkeeper, who was stranded in no-man’s land.
Kelly-Heald was brought on at the break that appeared to bring a level of calmness to proceedings until Lachlan Brook struck his eighth goal of the season in the 74th minute.
Auckland have won all six of their derby meetings to date. Steve Corica’s side remain second with their sizeable victory, cutting the lead held by first-placed Newcastle, who host Macarthur on Sunday, to just one point.
