Najjar Strikes Late in Stunning Rockdale Comeback

An entertaining contest at Macedonia Park saw the Wollongong Wolves surrender a two-goal lead as Rockdale Ilinden stormed back to claim a dramatic 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the hosts’ early dominance, a relentless second-half surge from Rockdale ensured the points were ultimately shared.

The Wolves entered the clash in strong form, unbeaten since February and fresh off an impressive win over previously unbeaten Sydney United, while Rockdale sat just behind them in fifth position — setting the stage for a high-quality encounter.

Both sides started with intent, with Moudi Najjar and Mohamed Adam forcing early saves from Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Solsky. However, it was the Wolves who struck first in the 15th minute.

Captain Lachlan Scott delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Flynn Madden rose highest to powerfully head home, leaving Rockdale goalkeeper Levi Kaye with no chance.

Rockdale responded by growing into the contest and began to look dangerous going forward, but the Wolves struck again — this time with a slice of fortune — in the 29th minute. Lucas Trajcevski’s attempted pass ricocheted off Giorgio Speranza and looped past the stranded Kaye to double the advantage.

The hosts nearly made it three soon after, with Scott firing over from close range in the 33rd minute following some clever footwork inside the box. They thought they had another just before the break when Madden’s free-kick was flicked home by Dylan Ryan, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

At halftime, both sides had five shots, with the Wolves holding the edge in accuracy.

The second half began with the Wolves again on the front foot, as Kazuya Yamamura forced a save from Kaye in the 53rd minute after a slick passing move involving Madeen, Scott, Trajcevski, and Sebastian Duarte.

Rockdale coach Paul Dee responded in the 61st minute with a triple substitution, introducing Brendan Cholakian in a bid to inject fresh attacking energy — a move that would prove decisive.

Despite the Wolves continuing to threaten — including a golden chance for Scott that was cleared off the line in the 66th minute — Rockdale began to turn the tide.

Their breakthrough came in the 75th minute when substitute Ollie Wiggin showed great composure to control a Cholakian cross and finish neatly from inside the six-yard box.

With momentum firmly on their side, Rockdale pushed forward relentlessly as the Wolves dropped deeper in search of stability. The hosts nearly sealed it late when Alex Masciovecchio’s volley flashed just wide in the 84th minute.

But the final twist came deep into stoppage time.

Rockdale’s persistence paid off in the second minute of injury time, as Najjar pounced inside the box to finish from close range following a cross from the left — sparking wild celebrations and completing a remarkable comeback.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but the contest ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw.

Wolves captain Lachlan Scott reflected on a missed opportunity for his side:

“It was a good game of football and there were periods when we were dominating and periods when they were on top. We had our chances to put them away and when you don’t take your chances and Rockdale get momentum, these things happen and we concede goals.”

Rockdale goalscorer Moudi Najjar praised his side’s second-half response:

“We went in at half-time and we knew what the problems were. The goals we conceded were not up to our standard. We came out in the second half angry and hungry, and for most of the half we controlled possession. We adjusted our game plan and it worked.”

The Wolves now turn their attention to a Round 14 clash away to the Western Sydney Wanderers, while Rockdale will host Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves FC: 2 (Flynn Madden 16’, Giorgio Speranza own goal 30’)

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 2 (Ollie Wiggin 76’, 9. Moudi Najjar 90+2)

Sunday May 3, 2026

Macedonia Park

Referee: Brodie Merchant

Assistant Referees: Joshua Matthews and Matthew McOrist

Fourth Official: Charlotte Flynn

Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Daniel Solsky, 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 8. Sebastian Duarte, 10. Flynn Madden (21. Liam Ball 80’), 11. Sebastian Hernandez, 13. Tate Russell, 16. Lucas Trajcevski (25. Alex Masciovecchio 68’), 17. Marcus Beattie, 18. Kazuya Yamamura, 24. Lachlan Scott (C)

Substitutes not used: 3. Jude Christie, 7. Felipe D’Agostini, 14. Noah Mathie, 19. Max Cunial, 77. Dylan King

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott (22. Harry McCarthy 61’), 3. Lachlan Griffiths (27. Lukas Ribarevski 78’), 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 8. Jerry Skotadis (7. Ollie Wiggin 61’), 9. Moudi Najjar, 11. Lochlan Constable, 17. Mohamed Adam (10. Brendan Cholakian 61’), 26. Harry Van Der Saag (C)

Substitutes not used: 16. Michael Marcevski, 21. Inbar Hefer, , 24. Evangelos Kalamvokis,

Yellow Cards: Reo Kunimoto 87’

Red Cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Flynn Madden (Wollongong Wolves FC)

2 – Marcus Beattie (Wollongong Wolves FC)

1 – Moudi Najjar (Rockdale Ilinden)

Report by Joel Martelli