A-Leagues youngsters Dean Bosnjak and Alexander Badolato both found the back of the net in the Young Socceroos’ 3-1 comeback win over Qatar at the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup opener.
The Young Socceroos came into their second group stage game high on confidence after a 5-1 over Kyrgyz Republic but were made to work for three more points against Qatar, having gone behind in the 19th minute through Mohamed Khaled Gouda’s opener in Shenzhen, China.
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But just five minutes after conceding, the Young Socceroos responded through Badolato who converted a cutback cross from Melbourne Victory’s Joshua Inserra.
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The first half finished with both sides level at 1-1 but seven minutes after the restart, Bulls striker Bosnjak headed home Sydney FC midfielder Tiago Quintal’s delivery from a corner to put Australia on top in the Group A clash.
Leading 2-1 in Shenzhen, the Young Socceroos looked to find a sealing goal and former Perth Glory forward Daniel Bennie provided it, blasting a clinical finish into the top-right corner to put Australia out of sight in the 69th minute.
Having taken maximum points from their first two group stage games, the Young Socceroos’ spot in the knockouts will be secured if Krygyz Republic fail to defeat China PR in the later kick-off on Saturday.
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Australia’s final game of the group stage will take place against China PR on Tuesday, February 18 at Bao’an Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen (kick-off 10.30pm AEDT).
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