Reds resist late Roar fightback

Hiroshi Ibusuki showed why the Roar are keen to bring him to Queensland next season with a brace in Adelaide United’s 4-3 win over Brisbane on Friday night.

The off-contract Japanese marksman, who is yet to be offered a new deal by the Reds, scored either side of half-time to give Adelaide a 2-1 lead after Henry Hore had put the Roar ahead in just the third minute.

With momentum on their side, the Reds then stepped up a gear, with further goals to midfielder Stefan Mauk and defender Harry Van der Saag – both via assists from impressive substitute Panashe Madanha – seemingly having the visitors coasting to victory with a 4-1 lead in the 74th minute.

However, in their final game of the season, the Roar weren’t going to lie down,

Teenage substitute Thomas Waddingham – who has attracted the interest of overseas clubs including Tottenham and Udinese – gave Brisbane a sniff with a smart finish in the 78th minute.

Hore’s second of the contest five minutes later after some poor Reds defending gave Brisbane real hope of at least snatching a late draw.

And the hosts came within a whisker of getting back on level terms in the 86th minute when a bullet-like header from Waddingham hit the crossbar.

However, that was to be Brisbane’s last chance, with the Reds holding on to secure their ninth win of the season.

And while the victory came too late for the South Australians to secure finals football, it at least ensured they avoided a spot in the bottom four and having to playoff for a berth in the Australia Cup.

Whether star marksman Ibusuki remains at the Reds next season is uncertain.

He’s still awaiting a contract offer from Adelaide, with Brisbane head of football Zac Anderson having been in contact with Ibusuki’s agent in the hope of him joining the Roar.

“I’m really proud of my team and Adelaide United, and I love Australia,” 33-year-old Ibusuki told Paramount + after increasing his goals tally to 15 for the season.

Reds coach Carl Veart said it was a case of “wait and see” if he offered Ibusuki a new deal.

If Ibusuki does come to Brisbane, Tom Aldred won’t be among his teammates, with the Roar skipper confirming the loss to Adelaide would be his final match for Brisbane after five seasons at the club.

“For me personally now, it’s probably time to try something new,” Aldred said.

“To do what I’ve done here, I’m so proud. I’m proud of the boys, I’m proud of the club. It’s been an absolute honour.”