Three Changes For Qantas Young Matildas

Qantas Young Matildas coach Alistair Edwards has made only three changes for tonight’s final group match against Jordan at the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship being held in Malaysia.

Qantas Young Matildas coach Alistair Edwards has made only three changes for tonight-s final group match against Jordan at the AFC U-19 Women-s Championship being held in Malaysia.

Coming into the side are Leena Khamis (pictured right), Olivia Kennedy and Kylie Ledbrook, with Collette McCallum, Servet Uzunlar and Jenna Tristram all dropping back to the subs bench.

Australia need only a point against Jordan to top their group, but should account for Jordan fairly comfortably, if the results so far are anything to go by. Jordan narrowly managed to beat Malaysia 2-1 in their opening game, but lost 9-0 to China, who Australia beat in its opening game 1-0 and then smashed Malaysia 16-0.

“Leena Khamis, Olivia Kennedy and Kylie Ledbrook are the only changes from the side that played so well against Malaysia,” said Edwards after witnessing the Group A clash between DPR Korea (North Korea) and Korea Republic (South Korea).  

With a semi final showdown just two days away, Edwards is wary of the hot and humid conditions and trying to keep quite a number of his key players as fresh as possible.

“It-s tiring enough watching from the stands in these hot and humid condition-s let alone playing three extremely demanding games in five days,” said Edwards after watching pre-tournament favourites Korea Republic bow out.

“South Korea were knocked out of the tournament last night by North Korea. Although North Korea are an excellent side, South Korea looked jaded having used the same starting line-up in their previous three games.

“The game against Jordan is going to be very challenging and we-ll be looking for another strong performance to top the group. We need to back up again in two days time in the semi final so we will continue to fully utilise the depth we have in the squad.”

If Australia does top its group, it will play DPR Korea in the semi final, who last night beat its arch rival and defending champions Korea Republic 2-1, in a frantic and physically tiring match.

Australia-s starting line-up is: Alison Logue (gk); Olivia Kennedy, Nicole Somi, Grace Gill, Caitlin Cooper, Leah Blayney, Kylie Ledbrook (c), Renee Cartwright, Amy Jackson, Victoria Balomenos, Leena Khamis