Three promising Greek-Australian footballers have earned spots in the 24-player squad selected for two preparatory matches against China, anticipating the upcoming AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan next year.
The trio of talents representing Australia’s U-20 Women’s team comprises three Greek Australians: Alexia Apostolakis from Western Sydney Wanderers, Zoe Karipidis from Newcastle Jets, and Peta Trimis from Central Coast Mariners.
Scheduled to take place at the Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium in Xiamen, China, the matches are set for Sunday, December 3, and Wednesday, December 6.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson emphasized the tour's significance as a valuable opportunity for the Young Matildas to further develop in preparation for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup. He highlighted the strategic partnerships with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese Football Association, expressing gratitude for their collaboration.
Peter Cai, CEO of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, expressed pride in supporting the next generation of Matildas heading to China, particularly following the Prime Minister's recent visit. He noted that the tour aims to strengthen the longstanding links between Australia and China while showcasing Australia's excellence in women's sports.
China, a formidable opponent and fellow qualifier for the tournament, boasts a strong football history, having featured six times in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Head Coach Leah Blayney aims to guide Australia’s U-20 Women’s team to a top-four finish in the upcoming event, thereby securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in 2024."
Kick-off times and streaming details are to be provided in the coming days.
COMMBANK YOUNG MATILDAS | CHINA INTERNATIONAL SERIES
China v CommBank Young Matildas
Date: Sunday, 3 December 2023
Kick-off: TBC
Venue: Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium, Xiamen
China v CommBank Young Matildas
Date: Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Kick-off: TBC
Venue: Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium, Xiamen
COMMBANK YOUNG MATILDAS | SQUAD | CHINA INTERNATIONAL SERIES
| NAME | POSITION | JUNIOR CLUB / MEMBER FEDERATION |
|---|---|---|
| Alexia APOSTOLAKIS | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers FC / Football NSW |
| Milly BOUGHTON | Forward | Tottenham Hotspurs FC / Football NSW |
| Georgia CASSIDY | Midfielder | Perth Glory FC / Football West |
| Claudia CICCO | Forward | Newcastle Jets FC / Football NSW |
| Indiana DOS SANTOS | Midfielder | Sydney FC / Football NSW |
| Jynaya DOS SANTOS | Forward | Sydney FC / Football NSW |
| Tahlia FRANCO | Goalkeeper | Sydney FC / Football NSW |
| Daniela GALIC | Midfielder | Melbourne City FC / Football NSW |
| Lara GOOCH | Forward | Newcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football |
| Sasha GROVE | Forward | Canberra United FC / Capital Football |
| Milan HAMMOND | Forward | Newcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football |
| Shay HOLLMAN | Midfielder | Sydney FC / Football NSW |
| Kahli JOHNSON | Forward | Western United FC / Football NSW |
| Grace JOHNSTON | Defender | Perth Glory FC / Football West |
| Zoe KARIPIDIS | Defender | Newcastle Jets FC / Northern NSW Football |
| Zara KRUGER | Midfielder | Sydney FC / Football Queensland |
| Chloe LINCOLN | Goalkeeper | Canberra United FC / Football NSW |
| Maya LOBO | Defender | Central Coast Mariners FC / Football NSW |
| Alana MURPHY | Midfielder | Melbourne Victory FC / Football Victoria |
| Jessika NASH | Defender | Melbourne Victory FC / Football NSW |
| Ella O’GRADY | Forward | Melbourne Victory FC / Football Queensland |
| Avaani PRAKASH | Midfielder | Western United FC / Football NSW |
| Naomi THOMAS-CHINNAMA | Defender | Melbourne City FC / Football Victoria |
| Peta TRIMIS | Forward | Central Coast Mariners FC / Football NSW |
