The CommBank Young Matildas have been defeated by DPR Korea 3-0 in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
The result means that the team have failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ and are eliminated from the tournament.
Head Coach Alex Epakis made two changes from the side that were defeated by Japan in the final group stage game. Danella Butrus and Amelia Bennett came into the starting eleven, replacing Peta Trimis and Emma Dundas.
DPR Korea scored early. A good touch from Choe Rim-Jong allowed her space to fire in a cross to the back post. Captain Pak Ok-I – the leading scorer at the tournament – made no mistake from close range, giving the defending U-20 World Champions the lead.
Despite the concession, Australia remained disciplined. They did not take a backwards step in a physical contest and kept themselves in the game every step of the way.
Butrus was unfortunately forced out of the game midway through the first half with a concussion. She was replaced by Tiana Fuller.
The CommBank Young Matildas came out firing in the second half. They had their best opportunity of the game in the 53rd minute. A shallow back pass almost fell perfectly for Tiana Fuller, but she couldn’t quite get there ahead of the goalkeeper. Talia Younis fired into a pack of players on the follow up.
There was a double change in the 69th minute, with Daisy Brown and Emma Dundas replacing the industrious Skye Halmarick and Zara Kruger.
DPR Korea scored their second five minutes later. Ro Un-Hyang put in a cross after a short corner that cruelly deflected off Rubi Sullivan. The ball sliced past Melegh to double the reigning world champion’s advantage.
Amelia Cassar and Sienna Dale entered play in the 80th minute, replacing Avaani Prakash and Talia Younis.
Australia came inches away from halving the deficit before stoppage time. Daisy Brown did well to get in behind and put in a cross towards the front post. It deflected off a DPR Korea defender, but just agonisingly wide of the post.
The third goal of the match came when Ro Un-Hyang closed down a clearance from Ilona Melegh. She ran in behind to score into an open net.
The final change for Australia came in stoppage time, with Poppy O’Keeffe replacing Amelia Bennett.
It is a disappointing result for the CommBank Young Matildas, but they can be proud of their tournament and their fight against the best team at this age group in the world.
Match Summary
Korea DPR: 3
Australia: 0
Korea DPR: 1. Pak Ju Gyong, 3. Jong Pok Yong, 5. Ri Ye Gyong, 6. Pak Ok I, 10. Choe Yon A (8. So Ryu Hyong 86'), 11. Choe Rim Jong, 12. Kang Ryu Mi, 13. Ho Kyong (9. Ri Su Jong 86'), 14. Pak Il Sim (15. Choe Chong Gum 87'), 17. Ri Kuk Hyang, 19. Ro Un Hyang
Unused substitutes: 2. Kim Ju Hyang, 7. Jon Il Chong, 16. Yom Chol Nim, 18. Choe Kyong Mi (GK), 20. An Kyong Yong, 21. Ri Ok (GK), 23. Ri Pom
Australia: 1. Ilona Melegh, 2. Amelia Bennett (11. Poppy O'Keeffe 90+2'), 3. Tegan Bertolissio, 9. Skye Halmarick (5. Daisy Brown 69'), 13. Shelby McMahon, 14. Zara Kruger (6. Emma Dundas 69'), 15. Alexia Apostolakis, 16. Avaani Prakash (8. Amelia Cassar 80'), 19. Talia Younis (23. Sienna Dale 80'), 20. Danella Butrus (10. Tiana Fuller 29'), 22. Rubi Sullivan
Unused substitutes: 4. Alexis Collins, 7. India Breier, 12. Jasmine Black (GK), 17. Caley Tallon-Henniker, 18. Georgia Ritchie (GK), 21. Peta Trimis
