Heartbreak for Mini Matildas

The Mini Matildas have missed out on a spot at next year’s AFC U-16 Women’s Championships in China after a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat to Korea Republic on Wednesday night.

After wins against Vietnam and Hong Kong earlier in the tournament, Ante Juric’s side only needed a draw against Korea to progress to next year’s tournament.

They still took the game to their more highly-fancied opponents and dominated the match at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malaysia for long periods but were undone 20 minutes from full-time.

Korean substitute Im So-Jeong capitalized on a superb cross to volley past stranded Australia goal-keeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyma.

Despite pushing hard for an equalizer, the Mini Matildas were unable to find the decisive goal and have to settle for second spot in the group.

Korea Republic join the likes of China, DPR Korea, Thailand and Japan who have already booked their spots in next year’s finals to be held in Wuhan in November.