Sotiri Phillis and Fabian Talladira have been selected in the Joeys’ squad for the upcoming Antalya Youth Cup 2023 in Turkey.
The Joeys commence their preparations for June’s AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 when they compete in the four nations U17 Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey next month.
The Australians will face U17 national men’s teams representing Czechia, Morocco, and Uzbekistan from 8 – 18 February 2023, with Joeys’ Head Coach, Brad Maloney, selecting a 23-player squad for this tournament.
Speaking about the tournament, Maloney said: “The Antalya Youth Cup presents an exciting opportunity to pit some of the country’s best emerging footballers against leading opposition from three different continents.
“To be able to play the likes of Czechia, Morocco, and Uzbekistan within the space of six days presents an ideal learning experience for this squad as we prepare for June’s AFC U17 Asian Cup and hopefully the FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru later this year.”
This will be the first time the Joeys have come together for a camp or tournament since topping their respective group during the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers held in Shepparton, Victoria, during October 2022.
Due to this tournament being played outside a FIFA window, Nestory Irankunda was unavailable for selection.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed earlier this month that Thailand will host the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023, with the tournament to now take place, 15 June – 2 July 2023. The draw for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 is scheduled to occur in March, where Australia will the need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Peru 2023, to run 10 November – 2 December 2023.
Match schedule:
Australia vs Czechia
Friday, 10 February 2023, Kick-off: 10:30pm (ACDT)
Emir Sport Complex
Australia vs Morocco
Monday, 13 February 2023, Kick-off: 1:30am (ACDT)
Emir Sport Complex
Australia vs Uzbekistan
Thursday, 16 February 2023, Kick-off: 1:30am (ACDT)
Emir Sport Complex
