Media Kampung – 03 April 2026 | Macarthur FC secured a 3-2 victory over league‑leading Newcastle Jets at Campbelltown Stadium, with veteran Socceroo Mitch Duke scoring twice and providing an assist, a performance that re‑ignited discussion over his inclusion in the upcoming World Cup squad.
Duke opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a precise header from Rafa Duran, and doubled Macarthur’s lead in the 24th minute by finishing a swift counter‑attack, before setting up the decisive third goal in the 68th minute with a well‑timed deflection from Callum Talbot.
Newcastle responded through youngster Xavier Bertoncello, who netted a first‑half equaliser and later restored parity deep into added time, forcing the match into a tense finale.
Midway through the second half Duke appeared to suffer a hamstring strain, but the club clarified that his substitution was a tactical change for Harrison Sawyer; Jets also contended with a hamstring injury to defender Thomas Aquilina, who left the field in the 79th minute.
The win lifted Macarthur to sixth place, keeping their finals aspirations alive, while the Jets maintained a five‑point cushion at the top of the A‑League ladder.
After enduring a six‑match winless run, Macarthur recorded consecutive victories, first against an unnamed opponent and now over the league leaders, signalling a resurgence in form as the season reaches its climax.
Speaking after the match, Duke said, “Saya masih bertekad untuk bermain di Piala Dunia,” underscoring his determination to return to the national team despite recent exclusion.
Coach Mile Sterjovski praised his squad’s resilience, noting that the team overcame a VAR‑reviewed goal that could have shifted momentum in Newcastle’s favour.
Duke’s standout display arrives weeks after he was omitted from Tony Popovic’s 26‑player squad for friendlies against Cameroon and Curaçao, adding pressure on the national coach ahead of the final selection.
Macarthur’s triumph highlights the competitive depth of the A‑League, while Newcastle must preserve consistency to retain the summit, and Duke’s performance may prove pivotal in his World Cup campaign.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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