Qantas Joeys start qualifying campaign tonight

The Qantas Joeys AFC Under 16 qualifying tournament has been reduced to just two matches, after the late withdrawal of East Timor that starts today at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

The Qantas Joeys AFC Under 16 qualifying tournament has been reduced to just two matches, after the late withdrawal of East Timor that starts today at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

Australia kicks off its campaign to qualify for next year finals (venue yet to be determined), with its first match against Malaysia tonight. It will be followed by the key match against DPR Korea in two days time.

Coach Martyn Crook has been forced to delay naming his starting eleven due to niggling injuries to several key players, following the teams final preparation match against the Singapore national Under 15 team. Australia won the match 1-0 thanks to a Teddy Yabio second half goal.

Crook said the match against the Singapore team was an ideal hit out for the team and is quietly confident the team will be able to do the job during these qualifiers.

Victory over Malaysia should ensure Australia-s progression to the finals next year, with the top two from the group going through.

Tonight-s match kicks off at 7.00pm (9.00pm AEST), with the match against DPR also now kicking off at 7.00pm.