City secure dramatic 2-1 win over Campbelltown

Adelaide City has snapped a two-game losing streak in dramatic fashion thanks to a 97th minute winner against Campbelltown City in Round 9 of the RAA National Premier League on Saturday night.

Searching for their first home win over the Red Devils since February 2022, Asad Kasumovic put the hosts ahead and despite the slender lead, they appeared they would hold on for the victory.

However, Jordan O’Doherty had other ideas when his 88th minute header restored parity, but one final twist allowed Francesco Schimizzi to have his moment and be the hero when he clinically finished off an incisive attacking move.

Head coach Vas Parhas made four changes to his starting 11 with Oliver Western, Giorgio Parhas, Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio and Nicholas Francese coming into the line-up.

Yuki Kitano had the first real chance of the match, his half-volley landing wide of the goal following a ball over the top of the away team’s defence.

In the 23rd minute Nicholas Bucco’s raking pass saw Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio break the offside trap, and his one-on-one effort was parried into the path of Asad Kasumovic who duly tapped home.

The visitors were hit with injuries when Marc Marino and Alex Mullen were forced off the field.

Genuine chances were few and far between for much of the contest which was heated at times and stop-start in nature – with Campbelltown committing 25 fouls on the freezing evening.

Bucco flashed a low free-kick across the face of goal in the 70th minute.

Despite largely being in control, City’s stingy defence would be breached from a set piece delivery two minutes before the end of regulation time.

O’Doherty connected with Adam Piscioneri’s crossing free-kick and his header looped over a helpless John Hall.

Not to be disheartened, City showed immense spirit and pressed on, finding the winner through their offseason signing Schimizzi.

A sweeping diagonal ball from Patrick Caraccia picked out Lawrie-Lattanzio on the right wing and his low cut-back was side-footed in by the left boot of Schimizzi to score his first goal for the club.

Euphoric scenes followed at Adelaide City Park with the 22-year-old running off in celebration and removing his shirt to seal a memorable three points.

The triumph consolidates fourth spot for City (17 points) while closing the gap on the league leaders to three points after West Torrens Birkalla and Playford Patriots drew 3-3.

Speaking to Football South Australia’s broadcast after the game, Schimizzi was thrilled to net his maiden Black and Whites goal.

“It feels good to score my first goal of the season for Adelaide City,” he revealed.

“Obviously the boys did the hard work during the game to keep the game level. They were winning for a while and conceded but we work hard during the week and it means a lot to us.”

On his jubilant celebration the former Modbury Jets man said he was overcome by the emotion.

“The feelings overwhelmed me and I was talking to a few mates about doing that when I score,” he added.

“So it feels good to do that with a last-minute winner.”

Match Details

Adelaide City 2 (Kasumovic 23’, Schimizzi 90+7’)

Campbelltown City 1 (O’Doherty 88’)

RAA National Premier League – Round 9

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Adelaide City Park