Joeys seal 2020 AFC U-16 Championship place after Vietnam comeback

The Joeys came from behind to beat Vietnam 2-1 and book their spot in the AFC U-16 Championship 2020 Finals on Sunday night.

The two teams were tied on nine points at the top of Group H heading into the fourth and final clash of the qualifying.

And Vietnam's superior goal difference meant that Australia required a win over their opponents to finish in top spot, and secure an automatic qualification to the 2020 tournament.

The Southeast Asian side held a 1-0 lead at half time courtesy of Nguyen Cong Son's excellent effort from outside the box in the 19th minute.

SQUAD: Joeys squad for 2020 AFC U-16 Championship qualification campaign

Feature imaged thanks to the Vietnam Football Federation

But Trevor Morgan's side rallied, and equalised when Bernardo Oliveira dispatched a 58th minute penalty following a foul on Thomas Lopez.

And with full time approaching, Luka Smyth fired in the winner after pouncing on a defensive lapse from the Vietnam defence.

The 2020 AFC U-16 Championship serves as the qualification tournament for the 2021 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with four nations set to advance from that tournament as Asia’s representatives at the prestigious world youth competition. 

REPORT: Joeys win to set up AFC U-16 Championship qualifying group decider
REPORT: Joeys begin AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers with win
REPORT: Joeys continue strong start to AFC U-16 Championship qualifying

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