Nathan Amanatidis, Nestory Irankunda, Bailey O’Neil, Sotiri Phillis and Fabian Talladira have been selected in the Joeys’ squad for the upcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023.
The young Australians have been drawn in Group C and will face Saudi Arabia (16 June) and China PR (19 June) at Chonburi Stadium before completing the round robin group stage format against Tajikistan (22 June) at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.
Upon announcing the final squad, Australian U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Brad Maloney said: “Competition for selection in the final 23 for these under-17 World Cup qualifiers has been hotly contested and a process which commenced in August.
“Over this period, the coaching staff have monitored upwards of one hundred players but ultimately selected a squad which provides both depth and versatility based upon our opposition and the tournament format, which will see the team play every third day in hot and humid conditions.
“We are acutely aware that we have a very challenging draw, however, we approach the tournament not only wanting to reach the semi-finals to secure a place at this year’s under-17 World Cup but create history by becoming the first Australian national youth team to win an AFC Asian Cup title,” Maloney explained.
Maloney also confirmed that Central Coast Mariners’ goalkeeper Anthony Pavlesic will retain the captain’s armband for the tournament.
The 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ features the 10 group winners and five best runners-up from the Qualifiers, along with hosts Thailand.
Australia will the need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™, currently scheduled to run 10 November – 2 December 2023, with the host country to be confirmed by FIFA following Peru’s withdrawal as tournament host.
The Joeys’ coaching unit and support staff for the upcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup includes Brad Maloney (Head Coach), Assistant Coach Michael Cooper, Goalkeeper Coach Davide Del Giovine, Sports Scientist Josh Gould, Doctor Andriy Boyko, Physiotherapist Luis Resa, Equipment Manager Guido Chayan and Analyst Huw Cox.
Catch all the Joeys’ AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 matches live and free on 10 Play.
AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Group Stage Draw
Group A: Thailand, Yemen, Malaysia, Laos
Group B: Korea Republic, IR Iran, Afghanistan, Qatar
Group C: Tajikistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR
Group D: Japan, India, Vietnam, Uzbekistan
Australia – AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Group Stage Match Schedule
Friday 16 June – Australia vs Saudi Arabia at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Chonburi Stadium
Monday 19 June – Australia vs China PR at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Chonburi Stadium
Thursday 22 June – Australia vs Tajikistan at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Rajamangala National Stadium (Bangkok)
