Panthers roar: Flawless Monaro complete late show in the capital

Monaro Panthers just keep finding ways in NPL Capital Football.

Trailing 3-2 with six minutes of regulation remaining, the high-flying Panthers exploded late to defeat Canberra Juventus 5-3 in one of the games of the season.

Three unanswered goals turned the match completely on its head in the Italian derby as Monaro made it four wins from four to start 2026.

Jonathan Olaoye led the comeback with a brace as the Panthers again showed why they look like the early benchmark in NPL Capital Football.

Elsewhere, O’Connor Knights edged Belconnen United 2-1, while third-placed Tuggeranong United claimed a huge result against Tigers FC thanks to Nicholas Emanuel’s dramatic 86th-minute winner.

Queanbeyan City also left it late.

Sam Aba proved the hero with a last-minute strike to lift Queanbeyan to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canberra Olympic.

At the other end of the table, Brindabella Blues celebrated their first win of the season after defeating fellow strugglers Canberra White Eagles 2-0.

Second-placed Canberra Croatia had the bye, leaving Monaro alone at the summit after another statement result.