Victoria's South Melbourne or Queensland's Lions FC will become only the third member federation side to reach a Hahn Australia Cup final tonight as they face off in the second semi-final.
Last year's Championship winners South will come into the game highly fancied, but NPL QLD Champions Lions have been in scintillating form, and it is set to be a mouthwatering clash on Tuesday evening.
South Melbourne v Lions FC
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets
History awaits both South Melbourne and Lions FC ahead of the second semi-final of 2026.
South Melbourne will have to bounce back quickly from the crushing disappointment of defeat in the NPL Victoria semi-final against Oakleigh Cannons on the weekend if they are to have a positive result here.
It has not all been smooth sailing for the giants from Melbourne. They followed up a Round of 32 'Cupset' against Adelaide United with a penalty shootout victory against Fremantle City. In the quarter-final, they narrowly overcame huge rivals Preston Lions in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in front of a huge crowd.
Arran Cocks was the hero against Preston. He is set to be a key player for them on Tuesday, as are the likes of David Yoo and Bul Juach up top.
A massive reward awaits them if they can get the job done - a local clash in the final with Melbourne Victory.
Lions FC could become only the second team from Queensland to reach the final of the Cup, after Brisbane Roar managed the feat in 2023.
They will be on a high after defeating Peninsula Power 1-0 in the NPL Queensland Grand Final on the weekend and will hope to carry that momentum into this clash.
Their road to the semi-final has produced two 'Cupsets'. Firstly, they defeated Perth Glory on penalties - Tommy Jarrad slotting away the winner - before impressively defeating Melbourne City 2-0. Their quarter-final clash was a dominant 4-0 victory against North Sunshine Eagles.
While their attackers have drawn plaudits, they will have to enter this game without towering centre-back Cher Deng. He has done enough during the run to draw the eye of one of their vanquished opponents, Perth Glory, signing earlier in the month.
It would be a monumental achievement for Lions to reach the final but all form lines suggest this will be an unpredictable, exhilarating semi-final worthy of the stage.
