Canberra to host Asian Cup Qualifier

The Socceroos will face Kuwait in their first home match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage, presented by FOXTEL, at Canberra Stadium on Thursday 5 March 2009 (kick-off 8pm AEDT).

The Socceroos will face Kuwait in their first home match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage, presented by FOXTEL, at Canberra Stadium on Thursday 5 March 2009 (kick-off 8pm AEDT).

"This is a great opportunity for the people of Canberra to support the Socceroos in an important Asian Cup qualifier, and also to demonstrate the strength of their football support," said FFA Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan.

The Socceroos have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage along with Indonesia, Kuwait and Oman. The top two teams from each group of the qualification stage will progress to the AFC Asian Cup 2011 which will be held in Qatar.

ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, welcomed the decision to have the Socceroos play this important match in the nation's capital.

“This match will be a highlight of the 2009 Sporting calendar in Canberra,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The Socceroos have captured the imagination of the Australian public and it-s now our turn to show our support. I-d encourage everyone to attend what will be a high quality game of international football and demonstrate to the FFA the strong following that football has in Canberra and the region”.

Australia-s match schedule for qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 involves:

  • 28 January 2009, Indonesia v Australia, Gelong Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • 5 March 2009, Australia v Kuwait, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia
  • 14 November 2009, Australia v Oman, Venue TBA, Australia
  • 18 November 2009, Oman v Australia, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
  • 6 January 2010, Kuwait v Australia, International Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
  • 3 March 2010, Australia v Indonesia, Venue TBA, Australia>

Australia needs to finish in the top two places of Group B to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 at the end of this round.

The last time the Socceroos played an international in Canberra was an Oceania Cup match on 1 November 1996 where Australia defeated Tahiti 5-0 in front of crowd of 9,421. The match was also the 84th and final international appearance for the long standing captain and striker Paul Wade. Current Canberra United Westfield W-League coach Robbie Hooker scored the opening goal of the match in the 11th minute.

Tickets for the match will go on sale to the Football Family from 9am (AEDT) Thursday 22 January and to the general public from 9am (AEDT) Friday 23 January from all Ticketek agencies, online and by phone.

All home Socceroos matches in the qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 are proudly presented by FOXTEL.

All Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.

AFC Asian Cup 2011 - Qualification Stage - Group B

Australia vs Kuwait Thursday 5 March, 2009 Kick-Off 8:00pm AEDT (7:30pm ACDT, 7:00pm AEST, 6:00pm AWDT) Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Ticket Prices -

Category A - $60 - all tickets Category B - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $100 Family Category C - $25 Adult, $15 Concession, $65 Family

Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child) Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required) Child - 4-16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)

Family - 2 Adults and 2 Children

On Sale Dates - 9am Thursday January 22, 2009 - Football Family priority offer (one day only) 9am Friday January 23, 2009 - General Public

Web: www.ticketek.com.auwww.ticketek.com.au Phone: 132 894 all Ticketek agencies.