The Young Matildas came away with an impressive 18-0 win over Mongolia in the opening match of their AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Qualifiers.
Gary van Egmond’s side shot out of the blocks from the early whistle with Princess Ibini unlocking the floodgates.
The Sydney FC forward would increase her total to five by the full-time whistle with Aoife Colvill notching four.
Melbourne Victory starlet Kyra Cooney-Cross fired away a hat-trick and there was a brace for Taylor Ray. Rachel Lowe, Amy Sayer and Susan Phonsongkham also got their names on the score sheet, while a Mongolian own goal brought the final tally to eighteen.
Van Egmond hailed Australia’s performance but said the team’s execution could still be improved.
“At times we played well in regards to with the ball, good build up and positioning of which we created a number of scoring opportunities and goals,” he said.
“Our execution can still be better as well as our decision making but our effort and mentality on a very hot day was terrific.
“We made life difficult for the opposition with our pressing and positioning, constantly creating opportunities in transition.
“I would like to congratulate all the girls on representing our country tonight but in particular the three girls who made their debut, this is a special memory they will always have.
“And lastly, I would like to congratulate the Mongolian Football Federation for entering a team into this competition. It is fantastic to see them give these girls the opportunity to play in this tournament which will lead to more participation and growth of the game.”
The Young Matildas play Lebanon tomorrow night at 11.30pm (AEDT).
Young Matildas XI: Teresa Morrissey, Rachel Lowe, Amy Sayer, Princess Ibini, Aoife Colvill, Kaitlyn Torpey, Charlotte Grant, Taylor Ray, Karly Roestbakken, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Courtney Nevin
Substitutes: Emily Hodgson, Susan Phonsongkham, Tori Tumeth, Sofia Sakalis, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Annalee Grove, Julia Vignes, Indiah-Paige Riley
Lebanon v Westfield Young Matildas
Date: Friday, 26 October 2018
Venue: Jounieh Municipal Stadium, Beirut
Kick-off: 3.30pm (local); 11.30pm (AEDT)
Westfield Young Matildas v Hong Kong
Date: Sunday, 28 October 2018
Venue: Jounieh Municipal Stadium, Beirut
Kick-off: 11.30am (local); 7.30pm (AEDT)