It might have been a nightmare week for Kusini Yengi with Australia, but Portsmouth could end up benefitting from the striker’s red card in the Socceroos’ shock 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Bahrain.
The Socceroos’ hopes of reaching the 2026 finals took a hit following the defeat, compounded by Yengi’s likely three-match suspension for an incident in the 77th minute.
The incident occurred when Yengi was sent off for a high challenge on Bahrain’s Sayed Baqer in his first start for Australia since June. While there was no intent to injure, Yengi’s boot caught Baqer’s throat, leaving a stud mark and prompting an immediate dismissal. The Australian forward quickly apologised, but the damage was done.
However, while the red card is a blow for the Socceroos, it may benefit Portsmouth. With Yengi now facing a three-match suspension from international duty, he is set to miss Australia’s upcoming qualifiers against Indonesia, China, and Japan. This raises the possibility that the 25-year-old won’t need to travel to Indonesia for the next fixture, which could allow him to return to Portsmouth early and focus on his club commitments.
The timing may prove advantageous for Pompey. Yengi has only recently recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of the first three games of the Championship season. Since then, he’s made substitute appearances against Middlesbrough and Sunderland but hasn’t yet reached full-match fitness. With Portsmouth aiming to climb the Championship table, having Yengi fresh and available could make a significant difference.
Yengi’s professional career began in his homeland with Adelaide United, where he debuted in February 2020. He gained attention during a memorable match in March 2021, scoring and assisting in a 3–1 win against Melbourne Victory, with his celebration in front of rival fans becoming iconic. Two years later, Yengi moved to Western Sydney Wanderers, where he continued to impress, scoring crucial goals, including a match-winner in the Sydney Derby against Sydney FC in November 2022.
In July 2023, Yengi signed for Portsmouth in the EFL League One for an undisclosed fee. He made an immediate impact, scoring an equaliser on his debut against Bristol Rovers, followed by a brace in a 3–1 EFL Cup win over Forest Green Rovers just days later.
Writer’s View
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho will likely welcome the possibility of avoiding long-haul travel for his key striker. The Championship will take a two-week international break after Pompey’s home fixture against Oxford on October 5, giving Yengi time to recover and refocus before the league resumes with an away trip to Queens Park Rangers on October 19.
Yengi’s form was crucial to Portsmouth’s success last season, where he scored 13 goals. His presence up front could be key as Pompey look to push for a promotion bid this season, especially with upcoming fixtures that could define their campaign.
Despite the frustration of missing international games, Yengi’s enforced absence from Australia’s squad could end up being a blessing for Portsmouth, as the striker may return fully rested and ready to contribute in their Championship campaign.
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