City defeat Gawler Eagles to book Quarter Final Spot

Adelaide City has advanced into the quarter finals of the Federation Cup after a professional 4-1 over Gawler Eagles in a physical contest at Karbeethan Reserve on Friday night.

Despite a spirited effort from the State League Two North side, City’s quality came to the fore, especially in the first half, eliminating any chance of a ‘cupset’ with four goals.

Domenic Costanzo, who was influential throughout the first ‘45, opened the scoring in rather fortuitous fashion on 13 minutes. The forward cut inside from the right flank and saw his left-footed curling effort go through Eagles goalkeeper Elijah Shigrov.

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That goal certainly helped take the sting out of the match and the visitors were able to double their advantage 10 minutes later.

A delightful ball to the back post from Patrick Caraccia, off a recycled corner, picked out centre-back Yared Abetew who expertly controlled and finished into the back of the net.

The Black and Whites squandered a series of chances to increase their lead following great through balls in behind Gawler’s high line and in the 34th minute Daniele Bressan duly made it 3-0 following a Costanzo pass.

Asad Kasumovic got in on the action just on the stroke of half time to effectively put the game to bed when he was released through on goal and calmly rounded the ‘keeper.

In the second stanza, Vas Parhas’ men never really looked troubled as they managed the remainder of the match but could not find a fifth.

An unfortunate own goal from Brad Corbo reduced the deficit in the 74th minute – the only blemish from an otherwise solid outing in the centre of defence.

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Following the match Adelaide City captain Nicholas Bucco was delighted with how his team raced to an unassailable lead before the break.

“The result was very important, so very, very pleased with that and especially to score first – four first-half goals,” Bucco told Adelaide City’s official website.

“Pre-game I asked the boys if we could try and really put the pressure on and almost end the game in the first half if we could, and I felt like we did that being 4-0 up which was really important.”

While a solid performance, the midfielder admitted his side’s intensity levels abated slightly after the interval.

He suggested that is something they can improve on going into next Friday’s huge encounter with RAA National Premier League leaders West Torrens Birkalla.

“I think it showed in the second half because I wouldn’t say we were cruising, but I would say our levels dropped a little bit which we need to be wary of going into a big game on Friday night,” the 36-year-old warned.

“So overall very pleased to get through to the next round and hopefully we can continue on a strong cup run because we all understand the opportunity that’s in front of us.”

Match Details

Gawler Eagles 1 (Corbo OG 74’)

Adelaide City 4 (Costanzo 13’, Abetew 23’, Bressan 34’, Kasumovic 45+2’)

Federation Cup – Round Three

Friday, 24 April 2026

Karbeethan Reserve