The four-cap All Whites striker struck in the 62nd minute to keep Alania level on points with Nizhny Novgorod, who visit Alania on the season’s final day in what is shaping up to be a crunch game.
With four matches left to play and the top two teams earning promotion to Russia’s Premier League, 21-year-old Barbarouses was happy to keep his new club in the hunt.
“I’m glad I could help the team win today,” Barbarouses told the club’s official website.
“I will try to play my part in returning Alania to the Premier League.”
Barbarouses transferred in July from A-League club Brisbane Roar, who he helped win the minor premiership and A-League final in the 2010/11 season.
He had trialled for Italian giants Torino and English Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion in recent months but decided to link up with Alania as they expressed a strong desire to sign him and tabled an attractive offer.
As well as being on track for promotion to the top-flight, the club will also be involved in the 2011-12 Europa League after coming runners-up in the Russian Cup earlier this year.
Barbarouses stands at just 1.71m but, as is the case with fellow pint-sized All White Marco Rojas, has bags of skill and is one of the most exciting talents to come out of New Zealand for some time.
He began his professional career under Ricki Herbert at the Wellington Phoenix but made only 21 appearances over three seasons before joining Brisbane Roar.
The Wellington native was an instant hit in Queensland and was named in the 2010-11 A-League All Star team after scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances.
He has played for his country at U-17, U-20, U-23 and senior level but missed out on a place in the All Whites squad for its historic 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

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