City’s dramatic comeback secures Championship title over Birkalla
Adelaide City’s phenomenal 2026 season has culminated in more success after clinching the 2026 RAA National Premier League Grand Final in dramatic fashion at ServiceFM on Friday night.
The Black and Whites fought back from 2-0 down at the break to force extra-time against West Torrens Birkalla before prevailing 6-5 in a nail-biting penalty shootout with goalkeeper John Hall making the decisive save in sudden death.
Vas Parhas’ side became the first side since 2014 to come-from-behind in the title decider to complete a Premiership and Championship double in the Club’s 80th-year anniversary.
Adelaide City has now claimed a record 20 state league titles following the club’s formation in 1946.
City were slight favourites heading into the top of the table clash, but it was Birkalla who started stronger.
Tzoi Tsarkani opened the scoring from a low cut back in the 14th minute and then George Blackwood doubled the advantage on 37 minutes.
The Oakden club had to regroup, and the introduction of captain Nicolas Bucco helped provide the impetus for his side.
The veteran midfielder swung in a corner which was flicked on at the near post and met by defender Oliver Western who side volleyed the ball home in the 65th minute.
City continued to push for an equaliser, and their endeavour was rewarded even if the goal arrived in fortuitous circumstances.
Substitute Giorgio Parhas delivered a cross into the area in stoppage time which Asad Kasumovic flicked on and deflected off Allan Welsh, who did not have time to react for an own goal.
The Zebras had the momentum in extra-time but were unable to find the winner meaning penalties had to determine the 2026 champion.
Bailey O’Neil, Yuki Kitano both converted their spot kicks while Hall denied Blackwood.
Parhas and Francesco Schimizzi then confidently dispatched their respective penalties allowing Alex Battistella to step up and win the game, however his effort from 12 yards was saved.
Oliver Western sent his attempt off the underside of the crossbar in what was the penalty of the night, and it helped settle the nerves for the rest of the squad.
Birkalla responded through Zakaria Abdullahi and then Nicholas Francese slotted City’s sixth spot kick.
It meant Birkalla’s Jonathon D’Arrigo had to score to keep the Final alive, but Hall had other ideas, diving to his left as scenes of jubilation erupted at Gepps Cross.
“Absolutely elated, ecstatic,” an impassioned Parhas said post-match on the Football South Australia coverage.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of young men, I couldn’t be prouder of the club, of our supporters, of the families that have supported the players to be here.
“And it’s our 80th year, so to achieve the premiership and to back it up with the championship against a very, very good side in Birkalla who’ve been incredible all year.
“Credit to Stav (Gelekis), credit to Amin (Ayoubi) (West Torrens Birkalla head coach and president) and their club for the season that they’ve had.
“I’m just incredibly proud of this.”
Match Details
Adelaide City 2 (6) (Western 65’, Welsh (OG) 90+2’)
West Torrens Birkalla 2 (5) (Tsarkani 14’, Blackwood 37’)
RAA National Premier League – Grand Final
Friday, 11 September 2026
ServiceFM Stadium
