Two NPL sides will be out to cause ‘Cupsets’ on Tuesday evening on Matchday 3 of the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16.
Read our preview of the action below.
SD Raiders v Macarthur FC
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Fairfield Showground
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets
SD Raiders have been rewarded for their first ever Hahn Australia Cup win on the national stage with a Round of 16 tie against A-League Men side Macarthur FC.
Last year was a massive year for the Raiders. They were promoted into the NPL NSW from the second tier and debuted in the Hahn Australia Cup. They crashed out, though, to Macarthur in the Round of 32 – and now, a year later, have the opportunity for revenge in the Round of 16.
They reached this stage after defeating Rochedale Rovers 2-1 away from home, with goals to Luka Knezevic and an own goal from a corner helping them to the win.
Macarthur have significant pedigree in the Hahn Australia Cup, having lifted the trophy twice in the five occasions they have competed. They defeated Darwin’s Azzurri United 3-0 in the Round of 32 to reach this stage.
Bulls fans can expect a debut for new striker Kai Kennedy as well as continued minutes for youngsters ahead of the A-League season.
Lions FC v Melbourne City FC
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Spencer Park
Broadcast: 10.com.au, YouTube
Tickets
Lions FC will be hoping for their second ‘Cupset’ of 2026 as they host Melbourne City in Brisbane on Tuesday evening.
In the Round of 32, they defeated Perth Glory after penalties to advance to the last 16. Jerson Lagos scored a stunning strike in extra time before Jackson Riley made two saves in the shootout to earn them a second game against A-League opposition.
Lions are flying high this season, six points clear on top of the NPL QLD table with only one game remainin before finals, and will be full of form and confidence heading into this Cup tie.
For City’s part, they are well and truly into their pre-season now, having played Palermo on Friday evening in Perth. Vidmar fielded two different Xis either side of half-time to keep his squad fresh for the Cup tie.
Lawrence Wong, Besian Kutleshi and Medin Memeti – all City academy products – scored in their 3-0 Round of 32 victory against the Weston Bears and fans can expect to see a continuation of young talent on the pitch on Tuesday.
