Stirling Macedonia and Olympic Kingsway will represent Football West in the national Round of 32 of the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup after the two sides came through their respective Preliminary Round Seven ties.
Alex Tanevski was the hero for Stirling, coming off the bench to score as Ago Mujic's side beat Inglewood United 1-0 after extra-time.
Division One Inglewood, who were seeking a third NPL scalp in this year's competition, had a great chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty just before half-time in extra-time. However, Stirling penalty specialist James Bosdet produced the goods again and saved Chad Nilson's spot-kick.
Meanwhile, Olympic Kingsway made it back-to-back appearances in the Round of 32 following a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Balcatta Etna.
Harley Orr struck the winning spot-kick after a pulsating tie finished 2-2 after extra-time.
David Tough’s side had to dig deep, twice coming from behind before they were able to secure a place in next Wednesday's draw alongside Stirling.
Jon Stynes' outstanding free-kick put Balcatta in front, only for Tyler Garner to level soon after. Balcatta regained the lead before half-time when Olympic defender Aryn Williams, under pressure from Hasani Sinclair, diverted the ball into his own net. Then early in the second half, Williams made amends when he popped up in the hosts' box and brought Kingsway back on terms.
The game went to extra-time, where Balcatta substitute Ben Ognenis came closest to winning it when his ferocious drive was brilliantly tipped over by Adrian Sinagra. And the Olympic keeper came up trumps again in the shoot-out, turning Stynes’ penalty on to the bar, which enabled Orr to take Kingsway through 5-4 on penalties.
Olympic now have the opportunity to at least equal last year’s achievement in reaching the last 16 of the Australia Cup.
They also get the chance to defend the Men’s State Cup against Stirling in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on 30 August.
