The Young Matildas have kicked off their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Qualifiers in dominant fashion with a 14-0 win over Tajikistan.
The side also happen to be Greek-led, with Alex Epakis coaching his first game in charge of the side, and newly capped senior Matilda Alexia Apostolakis the captain.
Sydney FC recruit Skye Halmarick led the way with four goals in the first half while Western Sydney Wanderers star Sienna Saveska also celebrated a hat-trick for the rampant Young Matildas. Western United young gun Avaani Prakash struck twice.
Another Greek Australian in the team was Central Coast Mariners Peta Trimis, who came on at the 72nd minute.
Epakis’ Australia must secure a top-two finish in Group C to ensure their qualification for the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand next April.
The Young Matildas next face Palestine on Saturday August 9 12am AEST followed by Chinese Taipei on Monday August 11 at 12am AEST.
