The Australian Women's Futsal National Team have continued their positive start to their AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025™ qualification, defeating Kuwait 5-0 in their second game.
Gisella Pipino, Trudy Camelleri, Nikkita Fazzari, Marianna Tabain and Jessica McLean were the goalscorers as Australia made good on their early pressure and repelled Kuwait's dangerous attacks in transition.
The result puts Australia in pole position to finish in the top two in their group and qualify for the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025™.
Australia started on the front foot in the first few minutes as they looked to take the early advantage. Daisy Arrowsmith was heavily involved, denied by fantastic one-on-one goalkeeping, while Trudy Camelleri struck the post.
They found the breakthrough thanks to Gisella Pipino. After missing out in the first game, Pipino found the back of the net for the first time in Australian colours. The opportunity was created thanks to fantastic work from Nikkita Fazzari, who forced the turnover moments earlier.
Kuwait managed to hold out and frustrate their opponents for much of the remainder of the first half. Kuwaiti keepers Abdullah and Alsabri were both outstanding, making a number of saves. Australia also hit the post a total of three times in the half.
Kuwait were dangerous on the counterattack, too, with the Australian shot-stoppers called into action on several occasions in fast-paced one-on-one situations.
However, Australia would be the team who would find the second breakthrough. It was Fazzari again applying the pressure, leading to a turnover that fell to the feet of captain Trudy Camelleri. She made no mistake from in front, doubling Australia's advantage.
The score would stay that way at half-time with Miles Downie's team no doubt thankful for the lead, but knowing that it was far from secure.
Fazzari would get the goal that her play deserved early in the second half. Camelleri did well to turn away from her player and find space. Her ball found Fazzari at the front post, who made no mistake from close range.
Camelleri had the ball in the back of the net but was denied her second goal due to a foul in the build-up.
Marianna Tabain wouldn't be denied, however. Her strike from a tight angle after a well worked set piece did make it four goals to the good for Australia midway through the second half.
Kuwait had a late opportunity from a set piece but weren't able to capitalize, instead hitting the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Jessica McLean finalized the scoring for Australia just before the full-time whistle, smashing home a ten-metre penalty of her own.
Attention now turns to the game against Uzbekistan on Friday, with AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualification well and truly in Australia's hands.
Match Summary
Australia: 6 (2. Nikkita Fazzari 2' 32', 10. Trudy Camilleri 3' 34' 14. Claudia Fruscalzo 19' 9. Marianna Tabain 31')
Turkmenistan: 1 (Suraý Mämmetsähedowa 6')
Australia: 5 (Gisella Pipino 7', Trudy Camilleri 15', Nikkita Fazzari 24', Marianna Tabain 32', Jessica McLean 40')
Kuwait: 0
NEXT MATCHES:
Australia v Uzbekistan
When: Friday, 17 January 2025, 6.00 pm Local (12.00 am AEDT, Saturday, 18 January 2025)
Where: Yunusobod Sports Complex, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Philippines v Australia
When: Sunday, 19 January 2025, 3.00 pm Local (9.00 pm AEDT)
Where: Yunusobod Sports Complex, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
