Australia has opened its AFC U-19 Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over China in Bahrain on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Thomas Deng, who is currently on loan from Melbourne Victory at PSV Eindhoven, captained the Young Socceroos, playing the full 90 minutes in defence.
Mario Shabow scored the decisive goal in the 46th minute, pouncing on a long clearance from George Blackwood before finding the back of the net with a crisp strike.
“It was a very positive performance from us, and we had enough chances to win the game in the first half,” Young Socceroos head coach Ufuk Talay said.
“We created more in the second half but we only scored one goal, but it was a positive performance against a Chinese side that was very compact.
“I knew we’d create opportunities but it was one of those nights where we were getting into good positions and not scoring.
“But I have full confidence in our boys, and it was a good game and a good performance.”
Victory NPL/NYL midfielder Josh Hope was an unused substitute for the match.
Next up for the Young Socceroos is a meeting with Uzbekistan on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 – Group D
China 0-1 Australia
Bahrain National Stadium, Manama
Saturday, October 15, 7.30pm local/Sunday, October 16, 3.30am AEDT
Australia v Uzbekistan
Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Manama
Tuesday, October 18, 7.30pm local/Wednesday, October 19, 3.30am AEDT
Australia v Tajikistan
Bahrain National Stadium, Manama
Friday, October 21, 7.30pm local/Saturday, October 22, 3.30am AEDT
