Junior Matildas match best AFC U-16 Women's Championship finish of fourth

The Junior Matildas have matched their best ever AFC U-16 Championships finish by finishing fourth following a 2-1 defeat to China.

Perth Glory's Hana Lowry had given Australia the dream start in the opening minute of the Third Place Playoff and head coach Rae Dower’s side held on to the advantage until half-time.

Goalkeeper Miranda Templemen produced an outstanding save to keep the Junior Matildas in front but that lead was wiped out on 78 minutes.

Captain Shi Xiaomin struck the equaliser to get China back in the game and You Mengyao’s long-distance effort four minutes later clinched the result.

This was Australia's sixth appearance in the AFC U-16 Championship Finals. The team also finished fourth in the 2009 competition.

Japan went on to lift the trophy at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand following a 2-1 victory against DPR Korea. 

Featured image courtesy of the Asian Football Confederation