The best National Premier Leagues players from the FFA Cup 2018

Has there ever been an FFA Cup like this one?

Stunning goals, comebacks and upset victories have been in abundance during the 2018 competition.

And central to a memorable FFA Cup has been the performances of several gems from the National Premier Leagues.

But who stood out the most? Here’s our selection of the best five NPL players from this year’s FFA Cup.

Tasuku Sekiya – APIA Leichhardt Tigers

It looked at one stage that Japanese star Keisuke Honda would make his debut on Australian soil when Melbourne Victory took on APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the Round of 16.

In the end, Kevin Muscat’s side were trumped by an FFA Cup performance that will go down in history from Japanese maestro Tasuku Sekiya as APIA upset the odds to down Victory 3-2 at Leichhardt Oval.

READ: Does Sekiya deserve a chance in the Hyundai A-League?

The tiny frame of Sekiya terrorised the Victory rear-guard and scored a memorable brace, but he also led the charge for APIA throughout the tournament, scoring the winner in the club’s 1-0 win over Port Melbourne Sharks in the Round of 32.

Elvis Kamsoba – Avondale

Few NPL talents lit up the FFA Cup 2018 with the irresistible flair of Elvis Kamsoba.

The Avondale speedster stole the show in the early national rounds, where he helped the Avengers to a 4-1 win over Marconi in the Round of 32 and a man of the match performance in Avondale’s 4-1 win over Devonport City in the Round of 16.

Kamsoba also ignited Avondale’s memorable comeback against Sydney FC in their 4-2 Quarter Final loss, where his mazy dribbling skills and evasiveness was on full display around the country.

Sulav Maskey – Hellenic AC

The tiny number 10 almost helped the small club from Darwin pull off the biggest in FFA Cup history back in the Round of 32.

Maskey, the former captain of the Nepalese U19 national team, scored two goals for Hellenic as they went within a whisker of eliminating Western Sydney Wanderers before eventually falling 4-3.

It wasn’t just his goals that made Maskey standout, he consistently found space, looked comfortable in possession and beat players with ease.

Sulav Maskey

Sean Ellis – Heidelberg United

Sean Ellis is a player with some pedigree in the FFA Cup.

He was the man who set up Kenny Athiu’s famous winner against Perth Glory in 2016, and his wand of a left foot was once again on show in 2018.

Ellis got the ball rolling with a goal in Heidelberg’s 2-1 win over Charlestown City Blues in the Round of 32.

But it’s the Scotsman’s outstanding showing in the Round of 16 win against Adelaide Comets that stole all the plaudits.

Ellis laid on two assists for Ruben Way and Alex Schiavo before crowning a memorable display with a crisp finish in the second half as the Bergers won 4-0.

Ryan Scott – Bentleigh Greens

Bentleigh denied the odds once again to reach their second FFA Cup Semi Final in 2018.

And central to their success was goalkeeper Ryan Scott.

READ: How Bentleigh star Scott bested his Premier League hero

Scott pulled off save after save as the Greens forced their way to their Semi Final, keeping four clean sheets en route to their clash against Adelaide United.

Unfortunately, the Bentleigh shot stopper was unable to deny the Reds but his impact on this year’s tournament will not be forgotten.

Ryan Scott