Footballer Josh Oluwayemi has captured attention for a blunder that contributed significantly to his team’s crushing 5-0 defeat, leading to immediate consequences as his coach stepped down afterwards.
Following the heavy loss to Auckland FC at Sky Stadium, Wellington Phoenix’s manager, Giancarlo Italiano, announced his resignation during the post-match press briefing.
This managerial departure was precipitated by a lopsided derby loss that prominently featured Oluwayemi’s embarrassing own goal, resulting in his substitution at halftime.
In the 24th minute, Oluwayemi’s mishap unfolded when he completely misjudged a clearance by Jake Girdwood-Reich, likely securing its place in future goalkeeper blooper reels.
About 75 meters from the Wellington goal, Girdwood-Reich launched the ball downfield, catching Oluwayemi stranded outside his penalty area.
Whether influenced by the wind or not, the goalkeeper miscalculated the ball’s trajectory, forcing him to retreat and inadvertently head it into his own net.
Wellington Phoenix goalie Josh Oluwayemi (bottom right) has gone viral after he made a mind-boggling mistake in his side’s 5-0 loss to Auckland on Saturday
Oluwayemi is pictured seconds after his awful own goal, which came after an Auckland player launched the ball 75 metres away from the goal
Phoenix manager Giancarlo Italiano (pictured) quit his job effective immediately straight after the match
He was also caught in no-man’s land for Jesse Randall’s second as Auckland raced out to a 4-0 halftime lead, prompting Italiano to take Oluwayemi off for Alby Kelly-Heald.
The Australian coach has spent the last seven years in the New Zealand capital, having previously served as Ufuk Talay’s assistant before getting the top gig for the 2023-24 season.
Italiano took the Phoenix to a second-place finish in his first campaign in charge.
Wellington slumped to 11th last season and currently sit 10th, having failed to win in their last five games.
‘To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable, I take full responsibility,’ Italiano said.
‘I’ve told the club, I’ve tendered my resignation.
‘I think it’s easier for someone to come in with new energy and refocus the group.
‘Even today, irrespective [of] if Josh made some errors in goals, it was me that picked him so that falls on me.
Oluwayemi (pictured) was hooked at halftime after making another mistake that led to a goal
Italiano (pictured) was furious after the final whistle, revealing ‘I lost my s**t’ with the team during the halftime break
‘(At halftime) I went in, I lost my s**t. I told everyone that was unacceptable and I just simply said to them at halftime, “You’re playing for the badge”.
‘The boys battled but the game was already gone.’
The Phoenix have also lost all six derbies against Auckland, all of which have come under Italiano’s watch.
‘I’m not a big fan of the club, Auckland, I don’t like the way they do things, but you can’t lose to rivals like that,’ Italiano said.
‘It’s unacceptable anywhere in the world. If Sampdoria play Genoa tomorrow and lose 5-0, I’d want the coach out.
‘It’s unacceptable and it’s in the interest of the club they bring someone in with a bit more energy.’
Italiano said he was looking forward to enjoying some sleep now he was out of a job.
Wellington, meanwhile, face Talay’s Sydney FC at home next Sunday.
