Australia U23 national team opened with 3 points after beating Kuwait with a score of 2-0 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Group stage, Group B at Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi.
Australia started on a lively note, hitting the post twice in a span of just a few seconds inside the opening five minutes.
Ramy Najjarine broke free on the left as he guided the ball past Kuwait goalkeeper Khaled Alfadhli, only for his shot to hit the inside right post before Cameron Peupion’s rebound was also denied by the woodwork.
Lewis Miller then found Lachlan Brook inside the box but his low attempt was blocked by Khaled in the 13th minute as Australia applied early pressure on their opponents.
Their persistence paid off four minutes from the half-hour mark. Alou Kuol forced a fine save from Kuwait’s goalkeeper before the ball found Louis D’Arrigo outside the box with the Adelaide United FC midfielder releasing a superb curler into the bottom left corner past the outstretched Khaled.
The goal jolted Kuwait into action but Australia held their ground defensively, fending off any potential attacking threat as they entered the locker room with the advantage and the happier of the two sides.
The Olyroos started the second half in sensational fashion by pushing Kuwait on the backfoot with some impressive passing and doubled their lead in the 54th minute when central defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou, who stayed up the pitch following a corner, slotted home a cross from Lewis Miller.
With the clock ticking, Kuwait pushed for a reply and a rare opportunity fell to them in the 80th minute off a counter-attack when Fawwaz Alembailesh whipped in a dangerous cross, which was met awkwardly by Hosine Bility with his clearance rattling his own post.
Australia, however, were not to be denied a winning start and will play 2013 champions Iraq on Matchday Two while Kuwait will aim to bounce back against Jordan.
Credit Photo : AFC
