SYDNEY (19 Dec 2015) – With January’s AFC U23 Championship edging ever closer, join the-afc.com as we continue our look at the teams who will be vying for honours in Qatar, at a tournament that also doubles as the qualifiers for the men’s football tournament at the 2016 Olympic Games.
AUSTRALIA
Having joined the AFC in 2006, Australia reached the pinnacle of Asian football in January 2015 when they won the AFC Asian Cup on home soil after beating Korea Republic in the final.
Nearly 12 months on, they are now be looking to replicate the success at Under-23 level when the Olyroos head to Qatar.
The Australians shaped up as genuine contenders in 2013 after finishing top of their group, only for their progress to be abruptly halted with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals.
This time around, they will be looking to go further after once again breezing through the qualifiers in Kaoshiung.
They began with a comprehensive 6-0 triumph over Hong Kong and sealed a top-two finish when they followed up by beating Chinese Taipei 4-0.
That set up a winner-take-all final qualifier against Myanmar and it was Australia who went on to book their place at the U-23 Championship with a 5-1 victory.
Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren was on fire as his five goals saw him finish as the second top-scorer in qualification, while attacking midfielder Mustafa Amini and full-back Scott Galloway are shaping up as integral members for Aurelio Vidmar’s side.
In the wake of September’s draw, Australia find themselves in Group D for the 2016 U23 Championship, along with Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
Australia’s Group D Fixtures
January 14: Australia v United Arab Emirates (Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha)
January 17: Vietnam v Australia (Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha)
January 20: Jordan v Australia (Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha)
