The Subway Olyroos fell agonisingly short in the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Under-23 Championship final, beaten 4-3 on penalties by Korea Republic.
A shoot-out was needed after Wednesday’s decider in Saudi Arabia finished 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, which saw Central Coast Mariners star Alou Kuol score twice for Australia.
The Subway Olyroos starting XI featured six Isuzu UTE A-League players – Kuol, Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach, Melbourne Victory pair Nishan Velupillay and Jordi Valadon, Western Sydney Wanderers forward Nicolas Milanovic and Newcastle Jets defender Mark Natta.
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It took 11 minutes for Alou Kuol to break the deadlock – a sweeping first-time finish from the Central Coast forward made it two goals for the player at the WAFF tournament.
Korea Republic equalised 16 minutes later through Lee Young-Jun but Australia almost restored their lead prior to half-time when Adrian Segecic dragged his shot narrowly wide.
The Subway Olyroos – preparing for next month’s AFC Under-23 Asian Cup – found themselves trailing 28 minutes from the end after Kang Seong-Jin scored.
However, Alou Kuol popped up again to restore parity 10 minutes later before Milanovic hit the post with 12 minutes remaining as the final headed to penalties.
Australia came up just short in the shoot-out – Macarthur FC’s Jake Hollman and Garang Kuol saw their efforts saved.
