The CommBank Joeys' AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 hopes for a maiden Final appearance have been dashed after a 2-0 Semi Final defeat to China PR in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST).
After a tight opening 45 minutes the Aussies conceded two goals in the second half at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends.
Head Coach Carl Veart named an unchanged starting eleven for the clash from their impressive 3-0 win over Vietnam in the quarter finals.
China PR threatened in the first minute with Australia's goalkeeper, Charlie Wilson-Papps, forced into saving Zhao Songyuan glancing header and leaving captain Besian Kutleshi to clear the remaining danger.
After a succession of chances from China PR, the Aussies had their first sight at goal in the 37th minute when Oliver O'Carroll set up Georgio Hassarati, however his attempt was easily saved.
China PR broke the deadlock five minutes after the interval when Oliver O'Carroll was dispossessed before Shuai Weihao, duly capitalised.
Australia tried to respond with Miles Milliner threatening from an acute angle on 53 minutes and later Hassarati had an attempt from inside the box fly wide of the post.
Substitute Akeem Gerald wasted an opportunity in the 74th minute when his venomous shot stung the gloves of Qin Ziniu who was equal to it.
However, in stoppage the contest was put to bed with substitute Xie Jin, when he took advantage of a loose ball inside the area to finish beyond past Wilson-Papps and make it 2-0.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Veart said: “It is a very disappointed group of boys in the dressing room. They have worked extremely hard tonight, given their best effort and unfortunately we just weren’t good enough to get the win.
“But I’m very proud of the effort they have shown throughout the tournament. We have learned a lot from it and we will go away and review how the players have performed and what we need to improve.
“We now have a World Cup to prepare for and the boys have earned the right to be there. I’m really looking forward to the next six months to get them ready for a strong World Cup campaign.”
