The CommBank Young Matildas have defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 in their first group stage game of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
Skye Halmarick and Peta Trimis both scored braces while Tiana Fuller got on the scoresheet in a comprehensive performance from Australia.
Head Coach Alex Epakis named an exciting first XI to get the tournament started. Alexia Apostolakis took the captain’s armband in her second Asian Cup, with three of her teammates – Peta Trimis, Teagan Bertolissio and Zara Kruger – also appearing for the second time.
Australia were the team in command of possession for most of the half. Talia Younis, in particular, was busy on the ball, and took several long shots after she created space for herself in and around the penalty area. Sydney FC striker Skye Halmarick came close to opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, shooting across the face of goal after winning the ball back in the box.
She wouldn’t have to wait much longer to get herself on the scoresheet. Zara Kruger picked up the ball from deep and struck a firm shot against the crossbar. The rebound found Halmarick, who held off several defenders to get the shot away into the back of the net. It was a poacher’s finish from the 18-year-old, who continued her good run of scoring form against Chinese Taipei with the opener.
Their lead doubled not long before the half-time break. Peta Trimis did exceptionally well on the right-hand side to dart past several defenders and find space on the edge of the penalty area. Tiana Fuller made a darting diagonal run at the back post to receive her Central Coast Mariners’ teammate’s cross, and her close-range strike was good.
The second half continued much the way the CommBank Young Matildas left off. Skye Halmarick scored her second in the 50th minute. Younis laid off the ball to her on the edge of the area. She took a couple of smart touches before hammering the ball away for the team’s third.
Tiana Fuller was able to return the favour from the first half to Peta Trimis minutes later. Fuller’s ball from the left-hand side found the run of Trimis at the back post, who tucked it away to make it four. Halmarick also played a part in the goal with her lunge at the front post.
The fifth came in the 61st minute. Halmarick played a precise ball that bisected the defenders after winning it strongly in midfield. It was a composed finish from Trimis, who made it two on the night for herself.
There was a triple change in the minutes following the goal. Poppy O’Keeffe, Amelia Cassar and Danella Butrus were introduced, replacing Tiana Fuller, Zara Kruger and Talia Younis.
Epakis went to his bench the second time 10 minutes later. Skye Halmarick and captain Alexia Apostolakis were withdrawn, while Sienna Dale and Amelia Bennett came on.
Understandably for the match that began in 37 degree heat, the intensity tapered off as the full-time whistle approached. There were a number of good touches from the substitutes but the Young Matildas were not able to add to their score in the latter stages of the game.
It was the perfect way to start their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ campaign and they’ll look ahead to the rest of the group stage with confidence.
Match Summary
Australia U-20: 5 (Halmarick 24' 50', Fuller 44', Trimis 53', 61')
Chinese Taipei U-20: 0
Australia: 1. Ilona Melegh (GK), 3. Tegan Bertolissio, 6. Emma Dundas, 9. Skye Halmarick (23. Sienna Dale 70'), 10. Tiana Fuller (20. Danella Butrus 64'), 14. Zara Kruger (11. Poppy O'Keeffe 64'), 15. Alexia Apostolakis (c) (2. Amelia Bennett 69'), 16. Avaani Prakash, 19. Talia Younis (8. Amelia Cassar 63'), 21. Peta Trimis, 22. Rubi Sullivan
Unused substitutes: 4. Ava Collins, 5. Daisy Brown, 7. India Breier, 12. Jasmine Black (GK), 13. Shelby McMahon, 17. Caley Tallon-Henniker, 18. Georgia Ritchie (GK)
Chinese Taipei: 1. Jian Yu-jie (GK), 3. Li Chun-mei, 4. Lo Yu-hsiu, 5. Ma Ho-ya (22. Chen Yi-fei 55'), 8. Lin Szu-ying, 10. Kao Hsin (13. Fu Chih-ling 83'), 11. Liao Jie-ning, 14. Huang Hui-shan (6. Chen Ying-xuan 88'), 15. Li Yong-shan, 16. Shao Tzu-i (9. Chuan Tzu-yu 46'), 20. Lin Pin-hsin (21. Huang I-ping 55')
Unused substitutes: 2. Chian Wei-tong, 7. Lin Pin-yun, 12. Li Pei-yao, 17. Lin Yu-hui, 18. Wang Ruo-ping, 19. Hsu Tzu-han, 23. Peng Pei-qing
