Goalkeeper hauled off at half-time after howler for the ages sparks A-League rout
Guardian Sport
by Australian Associated PressFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Auckland FC secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Wellington in an A-League Men New Zealand derby, largely thanks to a remarkable own goal by Wellington’s goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi. The match, played at Sky Stadium on Saturday, saw Oluwayemi making a glaring error in the 24th minute when he misjudged a clearance by Jake Girdwood-Reich, leading to an own goal that turned the tide in Auckland’s favor. This comical moment not only highlighted a costly mistake but also marked a turning point in the game, as Auckland capitalized on the opportunity to assert control and ultimately stroll to victory.
The match started with both teams looking to establish dominance, but it was Oluwayemi’s miscue that became the defining moment of the first half. The own goal not only handed Auckland an early lead but also sent Wellington into disarray. The Phoenix goalkeeper, known for his solid performances in previous games, appeared visibly shaken by the error, which led to his substitution at halftime—a rare occurrence for a goalkeeper and a clear indication of the impact this mistake had on the game.
Auckland’s win moved them closer to the top of the A-League table, showcasing their ability to capitalize on such opportunities. The victory also
Verticals
sports
Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/21/2026