Record-setting Indiana Dos Santos’ rise continues with inclusion in Young Matildas squad

The Young Matildas’ squad for the upcoming 2024 AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers has been announced, with Liberty A-League youngsters front and centre.

Leah Blayney has named a 23-player squad for the Round 2 qualifiers in Vietnam, where the Young Matildas will face hosts Vietnam, Iran and Lebanon in Group A between June 3-11.

The roster, which includes two changes from the squad that advanced to the next round of qualifiers, features 21 players that participated in the 2022-23 Liberty A-League campaign, including four from premiers and champions Sydney FC.

Melbourne City defender Naomi Chinnama returns to the fold, while 15-year-old Sydney sensation Indiana Dos Santos joins her older sister Jynaya in the squad as she makes the step up to the U20 national team for the first time.

Indiana Dos Santos became the youngest player ever in an A-Leagues Grand Final – aged just 15 – when Sydney took down Western United.

“This squad recognises the players who not only performed for us in the Round 1 Qualifiers but also those who have recorded consistent performances in the recent A-League Women’s season,” said Blayney.

“It was once again a challenging decision as the quality of players across the nation is continuing to increase as witnessed from our scouting at national team training camps, the National Premier Leagues and Elite Matches.

“We have worked to ensure we have a good balance across the squad not just in terms of positional depth, but also in finding the best combinations, whose player profiles best match our playing style.”

Blayney added: “The progression of this group has been pleasing but we are all mindful that there will be an increase in intensity for Round 2, with all nations acutely aware that AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification is on the line.

“These matches will see us face teams with good technical foundations, that will be well organised defensively and provide active threats going forward. Internally our focus will be negating their strengths while diversifying our own style to continue adding more dimension to our game.” 

Group A matches

Australia v Lebanon
Date: June 2023
Time: TBC
Venue: Viet Tri Stadium, Viet Tri

Iran v Australia 
Date: June 2023
Time: TBC
Venue: Viet Tri Stadium, Viet Tri

Australia v Vietnam
Date: June 2023
Time: TBC
Venue: Viet Tri Stadium, Viet Tri

Young Matildas squad