Egypt prove too strong for Qantas Young Socceroos

The Qantas Young Socceroos have been beaten by Egypt 3-1 in a friendly international played in Terborg, Netherlands overnight.

The Qantas Young Socceroos have been beaten by Egypt 3-1 in a friendly international played in Terborg, Netherlands overnight.

Egypt, who will host the FIFA World Youth Cup later this year, were 1-0 up at the break and added a second goal soon after, before Mitch Nichols pulled a goal back for Australia midway through the second half. However the Egyptians scored with a late goal to seal a good victory.

The first goal came after 34 minutes, when a corner was played to the far side of the box. It was played back into the middle and knocked past Andrew Redmayne.

Egypt went two up in the 56th minute, after a good interchange of passes on the edge of the box to beat Mark Birighitti, who had replaced Redmayne at the break.

A host of substitutions made by coach Jan Versleijen on the hour, saw Australia hit back in the 65th minute, when Kofi Danning passed inside to Nichols, who beat two defenders before placing his shot past the Egypt keeper.

Egypt then sealed the match in the 79th minute, when from another corner to the far post was headed home.

Match Details

Australia 1 (Mitch Nichols 65-) Egypt 3

Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne (Mark Birighitti h/t), Rhyan Grant (Daniel Mullen 60-), Luke DeVere, Ryan McGowan, Sam Munro (James Holland 60-), Peter Cvetanovski (Matthew Jurman 60-), Oliver Bozanic (Kofi Danning 60-), Brent McGrath (Thomas Oar 60-), Robert Stambolziev (Mitch Nichols 60-), Nathan Elasi (Aaron Mooy 60-), Isaka Cernak (Tahj Minniecon h/t)

Cautions: Grant (55-), Holland (75-)