Australia has been knocked out in the group stage of the AFC U-19 Championship following a 0-0 draw with Tajikistan in Bahrain on Saturday morning (AEDT).
The Young Socceroos needed a win to advance to the Quarter Finals but were held goalless by a resolute Tajik side.
Thomas Deng, who is currently on loan from Melbourne Victory at PSV Eindhoven, played the full match in defence, while Victory NYL/NPL midfielder Josh Hope was an unused substitute.
Uzbekistan topped Group D with seven points, with Tajikistan edging Australia on goal difference to progress with four points.
The result ended Australia’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea.
“We created enough opportunities to win two or three games today and we just didn’t finish them off. That’s what’s disappointing,” Young Socceroos assistant coach Mark Rudan said.
“I feel for the players in the dressing room because they deserved to go to the next round and hopefully it’s a learning curve for the players.”
AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 – Group D
China 0-1Â Australia
Bahrain National Stadium, Manama
Saturday, October 15, 7.30pm local/Sunday, October 16, 3.30am AEDT
Australia 2-3Â Uzbekistan
Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Manama
Tuesday, October 18, 7.30pm local/Wednesday, October 19, 3.30am AEDT
Australia 0-0Â Tajikistan
Bahrain National Stadium, Manama
Friday, October 21, 7.30pm local/Saturday, October 22, 3.30am AEDT
