Konestabo Hat-Trick Sends APIA Five Points Clear At The Summit

APIA Leichhardt FC have strengthened their grip on the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW Premiership race, moving five points clear at the top of the table after Michael Konestabo’s sensational hat-trick inspired a 3-1 victory over Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sports Ground.

The result marked APIA’s fourth consecutive victory and continued their outstanding late-season form, with Konestabo producing one of the individual performances of the campaign to secure another crucial three points.

APIA started brightly, with Presley Ortiz almost opening the scoring inside two minutes after reacting quickly to a loose ball, but his snapshot was unable to find the target.

Sydney Olympic soon settled into the contest, showing defensive discipline and composure in possession as they looked to frustrate the league leaders.

However, APIA’s quality eventually broke through in the 15th minute.

The opening goal came from Konestabo, who produced a stunning strike from outside the penalty area.

The move initially saw Fabian Monge find space on the edge of the box, but after a series of loose headers, the ball fell perfectly into Konestabo’s path.

With his first touch, the midfielder set himself before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner to give APIA the lead.

Konestabo doubled the advantage 16 minutes later with another clinical finish following a brilliant counter-attacking move.

The attack began down the left, with excellent combination play between Monge, Franco Farinella and Ortiz releasing the striker into space.

Ortiz drove into the penalty area before delivering a pinpoint pass across the face of goal, allowing Konestabo to calmly guide his finish into the far corner.

Despite APIA controlling much of the opening half, Sydney Olympic responded before the break.

The hosts pulled one goal back on the stroke of half-time through Sebastian Kukucka, giving them renewed belief heading into the second half.

Panayioti Armenakas found Kukucka’s run beyond the APIA defence, with the winger showing excellent composure to take the ball into the box before finishing around advancing goalkeeper Oliver Kalac.

Olympic started the second half with renewed energy and almost found an equaliser five minutes after the restart.

A dangerous free-kick from Armenakas found Jok Akuien inside the penalty area, but the defender’s header flew narrowly over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to build momentum, with Kukucka again threatening as his curling effort from distance drifted just wide of the post.

However, APIA delivered the decisive moment just after the hour mark.

Konestabo completed his hat-trick with another outstanding strike, capping off a remarkable individual display.

Following a quick turnover after a throw-in, Konestabo collected the ball just inside the penalty area, shifted onto his left foot and once again found the top-left corner with a powerful and precise finish.

The third goal sealed the contest and confirmed another important victory for APIA, who now sit five points clear at the top of the NPL Men’s NSW ladder with four rounds remaining.

Following the match, APIA head coach Franco Parisi praised Konestabo’s contribution and his side’s overall performance.

“Super goals from Michael Konestabo, that was the difference today,” Parisi said.

“In terms of the football, it was very good.

“We were disappointed to concede a goal, but it was a valiant effort from Olympic after a big week for them, playing an A-League side a few nights ago.

“There’s four rounds to go and still plenty to play for at the top and bottom of the table.”

Match Stats

Sydney Olympic FC 1 (Kukucka 45’)

APIA Leichhardt FC 3 (Konestabo 15’, 31’, 61’)

Sunday 2 August, 2026

Lambert Park

Referee: Harriet Gee

Assistant Referees: Arinath Gobinath and Isaac Riggs

Fourth Official: Patrick Pike

Sydney Olympic FC: 20. Filip Kurto, 4. Joshua Hong (C), 6. Jok Akuien (14. Jacob Trsoglavic 76’), 7. Seth Clark, 8. Kaan Nizam (34. Marcus Fernandez 66), 10. Panayioti Armenakas, 12. Zac Zoricich, 16. Bailey Callaghan (58. Daniel Wong 85’), 18. Peter Politis, 21. Adam Bugarija, 23. Sebastian Kukucka         

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Josip Orlovic, 11. Giorgos Louca, 33. Maxamillion Luburic

Yellow Cards: Akuien 30’

Red Cards: None

APIA Leichhardt FC: 1. Oliver Kalac, 2. Seiya Kambayashi, 8. Michael Konestabo (23. Levi Sciruiaga 85’), 9. Presley Ortiz, 16. Sean Symons (C) (34. Joshua Falato 45’), 19. Fabian Monge (31. Cristian Lombardo 80’), 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers (6. Frans Deli 45’), 25. Kyle Shaw, 44. Alessandro Piccin, 99. Franco Farinella (14. Max Court 65’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Alexander Parkes, 30. Alex Denmead

Yellow Cards: Caspers 29’, Konestabo 78’

Red Cards: None

-By Jack George