The top four of the Canberra premier league has been thrown into disarray after Riverina Rhinos were found guilty of cheating in their win over Belconnen United.
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Riverina breached competition regulations relating to eligible players in their round 11 clash and have been fined by the disciplinary committee.
The result has also been overturned to a forfeit in favour of Belconnen, who now leapfrog Canberra FC to fourth position.
Canberra must now win their upcoming match against third-placed Gungahlin United at Deakin Stadium for a finals berth.
Meanwhile Canberra Olympic will host a second-consecutive title decider at O'Connor Enclosed when they play Tigers FC on Sunday.
It'll be deja vu for star striker Kofi Danning, who crushed Olympic's premiership dream last year when he scored one of the winning goals for Deakin.
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But the former A-League player has since swapped jerseys, and hopes to bring back his magic boot for the hosts, who need at least a draw to be crowned premiers.
"The hunger from losing last year will bring out the best of everyone," Danning said.
"Joining Olympic and being by their side will be a big influence too because they're confident I'll bring the best of my abilities.
"My mentality is to be positive and play my game, then the magic boot will speak for itself if it does happen."
Cooma must win to overcome the two-point gap but it'll be a tough feat given Olympic have won their last six matches.
The Tigers have struggled to mark the scoreboard since their FFA Cup defeat to Hume City, but assistant coach Jair Wilk is confident his side will bounce back against Olympic.
"It's not going to be easy but we beat them once and there's no reason why we can't again," Wilk said.
"We've had a few players out because of sickness and that's cost us. The squad is looking good and those players are ready to go.
"Now it's just a case of showing up on Sunday and getting that win. Just like Gaby [Wilk] says, nothing is impossible in football."
The clubs will also play each other in the semi-finals regardless of Sunday's result.
"It'll feel strange playing the same team twice," Danning admitted.
"But we'll take it one week at a time and the finals will be a new opportunity."
Woden-Weston will host Monaro Panthers at Melrose Synethic on Saturday, while Riverina play Tuggeranong United in Griffith.
NPL Round 18:
Saturday: Woden-Weston v Monaro Panthers at Melrose Synthetic, 3pm. Riverina Rhinos v Tuggeranong United at Griffith Stadium, 5pm.
Sunday: Canberra FC v Gungahlin United at Deakin Stadium, 3pm. Canberra Olympic v Tigers FC at O'Connor Enclosed, 3pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
