It all started with an incredible own goal that is already circulating on social media as one of the most embarrassing this season.
With the score 0-0, Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich sent a long ball from his own half. Oluwayemi ran outside the penalty area, misjudged the situation and, in an attempt to intervene with his head, transferred the ball directly into his own net.
That moment triggered the complete disintegration of the home team. Wellington Phoenix failed to recover after that, and they conceded three more goals before the break. Coach Giancarlo Italiano responded at half-time by making a goalkeeping substitution, bringing on Alby Kelly-Heald.
WHAT have we just witnessed?!
Josh Oluwayemi gets caught underneath the clearance, completely misjudges it and it ends up in his OWN net.
Watch #WELvAKL live now on Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/uUhanG6rpl
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) February 21, 2026
However, even that change did not stop Auckland. In the sequel, they scored the fifth goal, ending a difficult night for the hosts.
Immediately after the match, Giancarlo Italiano tendered his irrevocable resignation, taking full responsibility for the debacle.
“Losing 5-0 at home in the middle of the season is unacceptable. I take full responsibility and I have informed the club that I am resigning. It is easier for someone with new energy to come in and redirect the team’s focus,” Italiano said.
Wellington Phoenix are now bottom of the A-League table and the club will need to act quickly to stabilize the situation after one of the heaviest defeats of the season.
(Vijesti.ba)
