Sport
22 August, 2026
Cup win by U23 women
INNISFAIL United Football Club has delivered a huge day of football, drawing crowds to Castor Park for the Goondoi NAIDOC Cup and sponsors day, involving Goondoi Rangers and Radiant Life College.
The 8 August event blended sport, culture and community, celebrating NAIDOC through a full schedule of matches and entertainment.
The Goondoi NAIDOC Cup, now in its third year, saw Innisfail take on Edge Hill wearing striking NAIDOC strips designed by local artist Kishaun Fejo. This year the cup went to the victorious Innisfail United under-23 women’s team.
Club president Paulo di Carlo said the day was about more than football.
“The Goondoi NAIDOC Cup is our chance to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. We’re proud to bring our community together through sport, friendship and respect,” he said.
The under-14/15 FQPL side opened proceedings with a tough 4-0 loss to Leichhardt Black, followed by a 2-1 win for Innisfail’s under-15 division 1 team over Atherton. The under-18s went down 6-0 to Southside Comets.
The standout performance of the day came from the under-23 women, who continued their remarkable season with a gritty 2-1 win over Edge Hill. After trailing 1-0, Kaitlyn Musumeci equalised late in the second half before Malorie Haworth sealed victory with a brilliant strike in the final minutes. The win cements the Cutters firmly in second place, just three points behind Edge Hill, after a phenomenal campaign boasting 75 goals scored and only 14 conceded.
The women’s side bounced back strongly after a 3-1 loss to Edge Hill just over a fortnight ago, registering their 15th win of the season.
In the men’s premier match, Innisfail pushed reigning premiers Edge Hill in a thrilling contest before falling 3-2, with goals to Jacob Moloney and Masaki Sato. Moloney was dangerous throughout, while Jayden Zecchinati and Cameron Epong controlled the midfield. Thomas Darveniza and Ethan Crossland were solid defensively, and goalkeeper Elliott Ferguson produced several key saves.
Coach John Cavanah said “the boys showed plenty of spirit and were unlucky to be beaten.” The under-23 men secured a crucial 3-1 win over Edge Hill. After a tight first half and strong saves from keeper Kael Newcombe, the Cutters surged late. Warren Nabanga equalised from an Isaac Darveniza through ball before a serious knee injury to Glen Hayward forced the match to field 2. Nabanga added a second and Pierre Alick finished the job with a late counter attack goal.