WATCH: Australia top Group B at AFC U23 Asian Cup
Australia have topped Group B at the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan after defeating Jordan 1-0 in their final Group Stage match on Tuesday evening (AEST).
Ramy Najjarine’s second half penalty proved decisive as Australia booked their spot in the Quarter Final where they’ll face the Group A runner up.
Despite having an initial effort from the spot saved Australia were awarded a retake by VAR and Najjarine made no mistake at the second time of asking, slamming home a 61st minute penalty.
Australia were controversially reduced to ten men in the 79th minute when substitute, Tristan Hammond was shown a straight red card after having been adjudged to have swung an arm at Yousef Abualjazar by VAR.
Despite the numerical disadvantage the Australian defence held firm for their second clean sheet from three games and a 1-0 win.
Tuesday’s result also saw Jordan eliminated from the tournament after the slipped to third in the group following Iraq’s win over Kuwait.
Australia’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Quarter Final will be played in Tashkent on Saturday night (AEST) against the second placed side from Group A.
Turkmenistan currently sit second in Group A with Iran and Qatar also able to snatch a position in the knockout rounds heading into the final matchday.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, 7 May 2022
Venue: Lokomotiv Stadium, Taskhent
Kick-off: 6:00pm (local), 11:00pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and Exclusive on Paramount+
Australia Line up: 1. Joe GAUCI (GK), 2. Lewis MILLER,, 4. Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS, 6. Tyrese FRANCOIS ©, 7. Lachlan BROOK (19. Patrick WOOD 65’), 8. Patrick YAZBEK (14. Joshua NISBET 73’), 9. Alou KUOL (20. Joshua RAWLINS 90’), 10. Ramy NAJJARINE, 15. Hosine BILITY, 17. Cameron PEUPION (22. Tristan HAMMOND 73’), 23. Jacob FARRELL (5. Jordan BOS 65’)
Subs not used: 12. Jacob CHAPMAN (GK), 13. Kai TREWIN 16. Louis D'ARRIGO, 18. Nicholas BILOKAPIC, 21. BERNARDO
Yellow Cards: Brook 33’, Courtney-Perkins 35’, Yazbek 8’, Kuol 89’
Red Card: Hammond 79’