Joeys goalscorer compared to Socceroos cult hero after starring role in win over Tajikistan

Australia advanced to the knockout phase of the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup after a 2-0 win over Tajikistan at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday night.

Perth Glory youngster Daniel Bennie was the all-important first goalscorer for the Joeys, tucking home a close-range finish in the second half after Nestory Irankunda’s shot from a tight angle was saved into his path. 

Nathan Amanatidis emerged off the bench to wreak havoc down the left wing, and provided a late moment of pure class that sealed the group affair, nutmegging his defender before rolling Australia’s second goal into the back of the net in the ninth minute of extra time.

Australia only needed a draw to escape from Group C, but took all three points as Brad Maloney’s side bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Saudi Arabia with wins over China PR and Tajikistan en route to the quarter-finals. 

The Joeys are now just one win away from securing their spot at the FIFA U17 World Cup, with the four semi-finalists all booking their spot at the major tournament.

“We’re delighted to reach the quarter-finals,” Maloney told reporters. “We said from day one it was one of the targets to qualify for the World Cup. So definitely that’s one of our targets.

“Then of course we’d like to win the whole tournament. But at the moment our focus is on the quarter-final. Every team at this tournament is aiming for that.”

Bennie’s opening goal came at a crucial time for the Joeys; Tajikistan had the better of the first-half chances, and in sweltering conditions, Australia looked leggy as they attempted to hold off wave after wave of Tajikistan attack.

Australia could have easily found themselves chasing the game, before Bennie broke it open just beyond the hour mark.

As the headband-clad Glory teen wheeled away in celebration, 10 Play commentator Teo Pellizzeri likened him to Socceroos cult figure Josh Kennedy, who had a penchant for scoring big goals for Australia on the big stage.

“He looks like Josh Kennedy out there with the headband and long hair,” said Pellizzeri.

“And just like Josh Kennedy he’s come up with a very important goal for Australia!”

Bennie’s 64-minute strike put Tajikistan on the back foot. The introduction of Amanatidis off the bench was a masterstroke from Maloney; the Adelaide United youngster scored the sealing goal against China PR on Monday night in the 98th minute, and he repeated the feat against Tajikistan in Bangkok with a lightning-fast counter-attack converted with precision.

“He’s a good player,” said Joeys boss Maloney when asked about Amanatidis post-game.

“I can say he was probably a late addition to this squad, he wasn’t involved in the qualifying matches last year. It’s great to have someone of his ability in the squad, he’s come on and like every player has contributed to the team, whether it’s scoring goals or not, he’s contributing.

“For me it’s great to see that he’s hungry and has that desire to get a result.”

Maloney added that his side’s 2-0 win over Tajikistan in a high-stakes affair played in testing conditions “typifies young Aussie kids” in the sense of their tenacity and resilience.

“They’ve displayed that in every match, and for me that’s fantastic. During this group phase we’ve used 20 players out of 23, so for me, I’ve said all along, it’s going to take everybody to contribute to this campaign, and that’s what the boys have done… it’s a pleasant headache for me to have when it comes to selection time.”

The Joeys will face the winners of Group D in the final eight on Monday night at 8.00pm AEST; Japan lead Group D on four points, level with Uzbekistan, with India and Vietnam (one point apiece) both still capable of topping the group. The final Group D fixtures take place on Friday, June 23.

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KEEPUP followed along LIVE to bring you rolling updates and the biggest talking points from Tajikistan v Australia: the Joeys’ third and final group stage game at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand. Re-live the action via the matchday live blog.