The Subway Young Socceroos produced a strong opening performance at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2025™ defeating Kyrgyz Republic 5-1 in Shenzhen.
The two South Australian forwards Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure starred with a brace each, as Australia now look to secure knockout qualification from Group A.
A match that was defined by its openness, despite it being their first group stage clash, Australia U20s would fittingly strike early from a counter-attack. Luka Jovanovic shrugging off two markers to power his effort in via the near post following a long ball from skipper Sebastian Esposito.
Australia's intensity in attack continued with Daniel Bennie profiting in the 15th minute to score the side's second. A goalmouth scramble bounced kindly to the West Australian who finished with aplomb.
Ten minutes later, it was Musa Toure's turn to score, tapping home after a strong shot from Jovanovic was parried right into the path of Australia's No.19.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/FootballAUS/status/1889633939729314080
In the 31st minute, Toure secured a first-half brace. This time, needing no support from his South Australian partner in crime, as he snuck past his marker before cutting inside and firing beyond the keeper's near post, similar to the Jovanovic goal that opened proceedings.
Early in the second-half, Trevor Morgan made numerous changes to his side with one eye firmly on the next two group matches against Qatar and China PR.
However, the line-up shift made little difference to the side's momentum, with Jovanovic scoring his second goal shortly after, a carbon copy of the earlier strike from Toure.
Following a strong run into the box by Toure, the new Randers FC forward saw his shot saved, with the deflection falling directly into the feet of Jovanovic, to score Australia's fifth.
A consolation penalty from the Kyrgyz Republic in the last 20 minutes closed out a high-scoring affair in Shenzhen.
Australia U-20: 5 (Jovanovic 5' 61', Bennie 15', Toure 26' 32')
Kygryz Republic U-20: 1 (Almazbekov (P) 73')
Date: Wednesday 12th February 2025
Venue: Baoan Sports Centre Stadium, Shenzhen
Australia U-20 Lineup: 1. (GK) Steven Hall, 3. (C) Sebastian Esposito, 4. Panagiotis Kikianis, 5. Fabian Talladira, 6. Paul Okon-Engstler (11. Tiago Quintal 71'), 7. Daniel Bennie (17. Frans Deli 60'), 8. Jonny Yull (20. Louis Agosti 60'), 9. Luka Jovanovic, 10. Alex Badolato, 15. Jaylan Pearman (2. Joshua Inserra 60'), 19. Musa Toure (21. Dean Bosnjak 71')
Unused Substitutes: 12. (GK) Alexander Robinson, 13. Lucas Herrington, 14. Zach Lisolajski, 16. Oliver Randazzo, 18. (GK) Gus Hoefsloot, 22. Medin Memeti, 23. Adam Bugarija
