The A-Leagues was in the thick of the action as Australia kicked off their Under-23 Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Kuwait.
Adelaide United’s Louis D’Arrigo opened the scoring before Jay Rich-Baghuelou also the found the back of the net in Qarshi, Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
Australia’s line-up for their Group B opener featured Isuzu UTE A-League players Joe Gauci (Adelaide), Lewis Miller (Central Coast Mariners), Lachlan Brook (Adelaide, on loan from Bournemouth), Ramy Najjarine (Western Sydney Wanderers), Jacob Farrell (Mariners) and D’Arrigo.
Sydney FC pair Patrick Yazbek and Patrick Wood, Mariners midfielder Joshua Nisbet, Adelaide’s Bernardo and former Reds team-mate Kusini Yengi also came off the bench against Kuwait.
After starting on the front foot, Australia were rewarded in the 26th minute at Markaziy Stadium, where D’Arrigo curled home a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Australia made it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half via centre-back Rich-Bagheulou, who found the back of the net with a powerful half-volley following strong work from Miller.
“We were happy with a lot of things we did in the game, it was a difficult match because Kuwait have some clever players that could be dangerous,” said interim head coach Trevor Morgan post-game.
“Overall I’m very happy, what is important is how we keep improving. Of course the confidence from the result gives you a platform, but we need to know specifically what we have to do better to win these next two matches.”
Australia, who top the group after Iraq and Jordan drew 1-1, are scheduled to meet Iraq on Saturday.
