The CommBank Junior Matildas kicked off their AFC Under-17 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 22-0 win over Northern Mariana Islands.
Australia were too strong for the AFC minnows in the country’s Group E opener in Singapore on Monday, with Ninja A-League prospects at the heart of the big victory.
Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper Annabelle Croll was in the starting XI, alongside teammate Hayley Muir, Melbourne City pair Keira Sarris and Izabella Rako, Sydney FC trio Claire Corbett, Willa Pearson and Rubi Sullivan.
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City teenager Rako scored four goals to headline the performance, while Muir added a double. Corbett, Sullivan, Sarris, Pearson and Melbourne Victory’s Leyla Hussein were also on target.
Australia, who have 13 Ninja A-League youngsters in the squad, will need to top Group E to earn a place at next year’s major tournament.
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The qualification phase features eight groups – three groups of four and five groups of three – with the eight group winners joining automatic qualifiers DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic and China PR from the 2025 Under-17 World Cup to make up the 12-team line-up for the 2026 Under-17 Asian Cup.
Next up is Singapore on October 17.
Featured image: thexiiman
