Liberty A-League youngsters were at the forefront as the Young Matildas qualified for the 2024 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup following a 3-0 win over Iran.
Western United forward Kahli Johnson inspired Australia with a brace in the Round 2 qualifier in Vietnam, while Sydney FC’s 15-year-old sensation Indiana Dos Santos made her first start for the Young Matildas.
Maya Lobo added a third for the Young Matildas, whose 23-player squad boasted 21 players that participated in the 2022-23 Liberty A-League campaign, including four from premiers and champions Sydney.
Johnson, who reached the A-League Women Grand Final with Western in her first season with the club, opened the scoring in the 27th minute at Viet Tri Stadium, where six changes were made to the side that beat Lebanon 5-0.
She doubled the lead two minutes later, having been played through by Western Sydney Wanderers prospect Sienna Saveska.
After Chloe Lincoln preserved Australia’s two-goal cushion in the first half and Leah Blayney introduced Melbourne Victory’s Jessika Nash and Naomi Chinnama of Melbourne City, Saveska was involved again as Australia made it 3-0 with 26 minutes remaining.
Saveska’s corner was headed in at the back post by Lobo.
The Young Matildas will wrap up their qualifying campaign against hosts Vietnam on Wednesday.
Featured image source: Football Australia