Howler sparks 5-0 rout as Josh Oluwayemi subbed and coach resigns

A comical own goal from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi triggered a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland FC and prompted coach Giancarlo Italiano to announce his resignation in the post-match press conference. The error came at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday and left the home side reeling.

Oluwayemi’s mistake came in the 24th minute when he misjudged a Jake Girdwood-Reich clearance from about 75 metres out, backpedalled and headed the ball into his own net. He was so out of sorts that Italiano substituted him at half-time, bringing on Alby Kelly-Heald.

Italiano said he had stood down as Phoenix manager with immediate effect. He has spent seven years in the New Zealand capital, served as Ufuk Talay’s assistant before taking the top job for the 2023-24 season, and led the club to a second-place finish in his first campaign.

New Zealand, Wellington

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