Glory trio Chris Donnell, Joseph Forde and Kaelan Majekodunmi have all been named in the Subway Young Socceroos squad which will represent Australia at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™.
Head Coach Trevor Morgan has selected a strong, 23-player squad comprising nineteen locally-based players which will assemble in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from February 20.
Australia have been drawn in Group B of four groups, alongside IR Iran, Qatar, and Vietnam, with the tournament due to run from 1 – 18 March, 2023.
The Subway Young Socceroos will need to reach the semi finals in Uzbekistan to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023™, which would be Australia’s first appearance at this tournament since 2013.
“We have selected players who are emerging talents in the A-League Men’s competition and overseas leagues that need to be exposed to international tournament conditions and the AFC U-20 Asian Cup provides up to six games inside 18 days against varied opponents,” said Morgan.
“This squad of players have been inspired by the performances of the Subway Socceroos in Qatar and those heading to Uzbekistan can’t wait to pull on the green and gold and represent not only themselves, their families and club, but the extended playing group on the international stage.
“Australia has not featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup since 2013, and the valuable experience it provides players on their way to the Subway Olyroos and Subway Socceroos is immeasurable.
“We know the AFC U-20 Asian Cup presents a huge challenge, but these are environments the best players crave and this tournament presents an opportunity to create history and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, taking inspiration from the 2019 edition where Korea Republic appeared in the final.”
Defensive duo Forde and Majekodunmi and midfielder Donnell will be following in the footsteps of superstars such as Diego Maradona, David Trezeguet, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and 2019 top goal scorer, Erling Haaland, all of whom had their first exposure to international tournament football at previous FIFA U-20 World Cups.
Both Forde and Donnell have tasted A-League and FFA Cup action with Glory’s senior side, while Majekodunmi has been a standout performer for the PGFC Academy First Team in the NPL WA.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023™ is scheduled to run from 20 May – 11 June 2023 and will feature 24 teams from six Confederations, including the semi-finalists from AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™.
All Subway Young Socceroos’ AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™ matches will be streamed live and free on 10 Play.
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