Subway Joeys squad named for 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup

Subway Joeys' Head Coach Brad Maloney has named Australia's 23-player squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ to be staged in Bangkok and Chonburi from June 15 - July 2, 2023.

The young Australians have been drawn in Group C and will face Saudi Arabia (16 June) and China PR (19 June) at Chonburi Stadium before completing the round robin group stage format against Tajikistan (22 June) at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium.

Upon announcing the final squad, Australian U-17 Men's National Team Head Coach Brad Maloney said: "Competition for selection in the final 23 for these under-17 World Cup qualifiers has been hotly contested and a process which commenced in August.

"Over this period, the coaching staff have monitored upwards of one hundred players but ultimately selected a squad which provides both depth and versatility based upon our opposition and the tournament format, which will see the team play every third day in hot and humid conditions.

"We are acutely aware that we have a very challenging draw, however, we approach the tournament not only wanting to reach the semi-finals to secure a place at this year's under-17 World Cup but create history by becoming the first Australian national youth team to win an AFC Asian Cup title," Maloney explained.

Maloney also confirmed that Central Coast Mariners' goalkeeper Anthony Pavlesic will retain the captain's armband for the tournament.

The 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ features the 10 group winners and five best runners-up from the Qualifiers, along with hosts Thailand.

Australia will the need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™, currently scheduled to run 10 November - 2 December 2023, with the host country to be confirmed by FIFA following Peru's withdrawal as tournament host.

The Subway Joeys' coaching unit and support staff for the upcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup includes Brad Maloney (Head Coach), Assistant Coach Michael Cooper, Goalkeeper Coach Davide Del Giovine, Sports Scientist Josh Gould, Doctor Andriy Boyko, Physiotherapist Luis Resa, Equipment Manager Guido Chayan and Analyst Huw Cox.

Catch all the Subway Joeys' AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 matches live and free on 10 Play.

AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Group Stage Draw

Group A: Thailand, Yemen, Malaysia, Laos

Group B: Korea Republic, IR Iran, Afghanistan, Qatar

Group C: Tajikistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR

Group D: Japan, India, Vietnam, Uzbekistan

Australia - AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Group Stage Match Schedule

Friday 16 June - Australia vs Saudi Arabia at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Chonburi Stadium

Monday 19 June - Australia vs China PR at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Chonburi Stadium

Thursday 22 June - Australia vs Tajikistan at 5.00pm local / 8.00pm AEST, Rajamangala National Stadium (Bangkok)

CLICK HERE for the full AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Match Schedule.

SUBWAY JOEYS' 23-PLAYER SQUAD l AFC U-17 ASIAN CUP THAILAND 2023 l 15 JUNE - 2 JULY