A commanding display saw our Subway Olyroos run out 3-1 winners over Saudi Arabia in an international friendly match at the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Tweet: https://twitter.com/FootballAUS/status/1726935550857527764
Noah Botic scored a double while Nishan Velupillay added the third in a first half full of action before the hosts pulled one back in the 95th minute.
After two clear cut chances went begging for the Saudis, the Olyroos drew first blood in the 12th minute through Botic. The Western United striker tapped home from close range after a corner to the back post was headered goalwards.
Ten minutes before the half-time break, Botic was again on hand to tap the ball in for his second goal after Jacob Italiano squared the ball across goal into his path.
But that was not the end of the goalscoring before half time as Velupillay pounced on a keeper error after a long ball over the top to make it 3-0 leading into the break.
The Olyroos did all they could to hold onto the three goal lead in the second half despite Nectar Triantis being shown a second yellow card for delaying the restart of play with 15 minutes to go. However, they fell short in the 95th minute when the hosts pulled one back.
Watch the stream below.
Match Details
Saudi Arabia U-23 1
Australia U-23 3 (Botic 12', 36', Velupillay 43')
Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Kick-off: 4pm local / 12am AEDT (Wednesday, 22 November)
Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium, Saudi Arabia