Sydney FC recruit Skye Halmarick led the way with four goals as the CommBank Young Matildas kicked off their 2026 AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign by easing past Tajikistan 14-0.
Labelled “one of the most exciting young strikers in the country” after recently joining Ninja A-League club Sydney FC from NPLW NSW outfit NWS Spirit FC, Halmarick incredibly scored four goals in the first half against the hosts on Thursday (AEST).
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The prolific 17-year-old forward set the tone with her third-minute opener before doubling Australia’s lead five minutes later. She completed her hat-trick by the 20th minute and added a fourth with three minutes remaining in the first period of the Group C contest.
Western Sydney Wanderers star Sienna Saveska also celebrated a hat-trick for the rampant Young Matildas, while Western United young gun Avaani Prakash struck twice in the rout.
Central Coast Mariners sensation Tiana Fuller, Canberra United’s Teagan Bertolissio,
India Breier of the Wanderers, and Sydney FC duo Amber Luchtmeijer and
Maddy Caspers were also on target.
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Placed in one of eight qualification groups, Alex Epakis’ Australia must secure a top-two finish in Group C to ensure their qualification for the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand in April, 2026.
