Gold Coast Knights are gunning for their first ever ‘cupset’ when they face Auckland FC in the Australia Cup Round of 32 at the Croatian Sports Centre on Tuesday night.
Tuesday’s match which pits the reigning NPL Queensland and A-League Premiers against one another will be the fourth occasion that Knights have competed in the national rounds.
Knights, who booked their spot in the Round of 32 with victories over Holland Park Hawks, St George Willawong, Wynnum Wolves and Rochedale Rovers go up against A-League opposition in the Cup for the fourth time, having previously battled Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Victory and Western United.
With just four rounds remaining in the 2025 NPL Queensland regular season Knights sit in sixth position on the league table, looking to reel in a top four finish and fourth consecutive finals campaign.
There has been a big change in the hot seat at the Croatian Sports Centre with Scott McDonald stepping down from his role as Head Coach after three and a half trophy laden seasons earlier this month.
The former Socceroo’s time as Head Coach was highlighted by a historic treble winning 2023 season, two NPL Queensland Championships, two Premierships and a Kappa Pro Series title. McDonald will remain with the club as Football Director.
Former Brisbane Roar Academy and Football Queensland Technical Director David Abela, who was in charge of Knight’s U23’s has taken the reigns as Head Coach through ‘til the end of the season, with the side yet to taste defeat during his tenure.
Amongst those lining up for Abela will be former A-League duo Rahmat Akbari and Bradden Inman who hold more than 100 top-flight appearances between them, while Crystal Palace Academy graduate and club Captain, Luke Croll brings extensive professional experience from the English leagues.
Key to the Knights breaking down one of the A-League’s most miserly defences will be Marquez Walters, who has 16 goals in all competitions so far in his first season at the Croatian Sports Centre.
The 23-year-old is no stranger to a cup boilover, having found the back of the net in Moreton City Excelsior’s 3-2 win over Perth Glory in the Round of 16 last season.
Additionally, Japanese playmaker Taisei Kanenko, who was part of the Sydney United side who reached the 2022 Australia Cup Final nouse will prove invaluable.
Tuesday’s match kicks off at 7:30pm with another big crowd expected for what is
sure to be a special cup night at the Croatian Sports Centre.
