The CommBank Junior Matildas will play in the 2025 ASEAN Under-16 Girls’ Championship final after defeating hosts Indonesia 3-0.
Australia silenced the home crowd thanks to a first-half brace from Abbie Puckett and a goal via captain Kaya Jugovic.
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The Junior Matildas will now meet defending champions Thailand in Friday’s decider as the Aussies eye more silverware after the U23 team won the ASEAN Women’s Championship MSIG Serenity Cup earlier in August.
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Four Ninja A-League prospects have been involved on the road to the U16 showpiece.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ Mary Dal Broi came off the bench against Indonesia, while Wanderers teammates Annabelle Croll and Hayley Muir along with Melbourne Victory’s Leyla Hussein have also featured for the Aussies.
“This is an exciting story for everyone involved in our Women’s and Girls Programs. Nikkita is the first of many that will progress from our academy to our A-Leagues squad,” said Ninja A-League head coach Geoff Abrahams, who is also youth technical director of the Wanderers Girls Academy.
“There will be a lot of proud academy coaches and staff, and I think everyone saw very early on the exciting talent that is Nikkita.
“She’s made steps throughout the NPL season and we think the timing is right to bring her into the A-Leagues set-up.
“She will be the first of a few players this season and many more in the future.”
Featured image: Football Australia
