CommBank Joeys defeat India 4-0 to kick off AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™

The CommBank Joeys have defeated India 4-0 in their opening game of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026™ in Saudi Arabia.

The goals were shared amongst the group with Luke Becvinovki, Max Court, Luka Demuth and Henrique Oliveira on the scoresheet for Australia.

Head Coach Carl Veart named a starting eleven full of talent for the first game of the all-important tournament. The top eight teams qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026™, meaning that passage out of the three-team group will secure the Joeys’ place at the showpiece event for the first time since 2019.
 

 

 

 

 

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Australia opened the scoring within five minutes. A lovely passing move on the left-hand side found Archie Mitchell in space. His low cross reached Luke Becvinovski in the box, who was able to sweep it home for the first goal of the tournament.

Their lead doubled later in the half. Fancy footwork from Akeem Gerald won the team a penalty, which Max Court duly converted with a low strike to the goalkeeper’s right.

The second half continued in a similar, positive vein, and the third was scored in the 74th minute. Emile Katrib found space on the right-hand side to play it into Oliver O’Carroll. His played a calm ball to Luka Demuth, whose shot worked its way through the defenders and into the back of the net.
 

 

 

 

 

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The sealer was perhaps the best goal of the night. Henrique Oliveira showed off his acceleration, taking three touches to drive into the penalty area from the right-hand side and score a curling effort past the goalkeeper.

The four-goal victory puts the Joeys in the best possible position to advance from the group and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026™.