The Young Socceroos conceded twice inside the last 10 minutes to draw 2-2 with Mexico in a thriller clash at Jubilee Oval on Sunday night.
Paul Okon’s side looked on course for a well-deserved win as first half goals from Brisbane Roar pair Brandon Borrello and Shannon Brady had them 2-0 up at the break.
But despite appearing in control throughout the second half, the young Aussies were undone at the death.
A defensive blunder eight minutes from time and a late penalty allowed the Mexicans to escape with a draw.
Despite the late fadeout it was a much-improved performance by the Young Socceroos from their defeat against the USA on Tuesday.
The home side made the brighter start, tidy in possession without really being able to unlock Mexico’s defence.
The match then sprung to life just before the half hour mark as Mexico had the ball in the net only to be denied by the offside flag.
Soon after the Young Socceroos were down the other end and in front.
Borrello sliced through only to be brought down in the box by the visitor’s keeper.
The Roar attacker picked himself up to slot away the spot-kick to give Okon’s side a deserved lead.
A flowing counter attack almost saw Brady double the lead seven minutes before half-time but he blazed over when he should have hit the target.
The impressive youngster wouldn’t be denied just before half-time though, finishing off a sensational move which included some eye-catching lead-up play from Daniel De Silva.
The young Aussies continued to impress after the break but goal-scoring chances proved hard to come by.
Okon made a number of changes as the half wore on and it affected the rhythm of the home side’s play.
And a poor defensive blunder then allowed Mexico to pull a goal back after ‘keeper Tom Glover’s attempted clearance went straight to the visitor’s striker to slot home.
Three minutes from time the visitors then equalized from the penalty spot to snatch a draw.
The Young Socceroos are next in action against South American powerhouses Brazil in Wollongong on Wednesday, May 27.
Young Socceroos 2 (Borrello 30’, Brady 43’)
Mexico Under-20’s 2