The Subway Joeys have won 3-1 over China at Shepparton Sport City Precinct to secure the top spot of Group G and automatic qualification to next year’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023.
Australia opened strong inside seven minutes when Nestory Irankunda once again proved decisive for Coach Brad Maloney’s side scoring a brace and registering an assist for Miguel Di Pizio’s stunning sealer on Sunday afternoon.
Greek Cypriot Peter Antoniou’s accurate low cross found the striker, but alas his attempt was saved in spectacular fashion by goalkeeper Xie Gongbo.
Just on half-time Antoniou almost squeezed in a near-post shot but it was parried away in the final action of the first 45 minutes.
In an interview with Football Australia just four days before the decisive qualifier, Antoniou said “watching the big stars on the biggest stage in the world and I just realised, that’s my dream, that’s what I want to do.”
The young up and comer said in the lead up to the match “This is a massive opportunity, to showcase the skills and just what you can do… and just an absolute honour to represent your country.”
All up Antoniou scored two goals for the Joeys across the qualifiers.
The visitors had to play the majority of the second-half a player down when Cui Taixu’s stray boot caught Irankunda’s face on the 50-minute mark.
The Aussies maintained pressure in the minutes after taking the lead but not without the occasional miscalculation.
Max Hatley couldn’t capitalise on a defensive error shooting wide in a one-on-one attempt, squandering a second shot at point-blank range.
With the last matches settled, the 16 teams now have a nervous wait ahead until the comp kicks off next year. Australia is yet to secure a championship title in the competition. Let’s hope that changes in 2023.
