CommBank Junior Matildas Learn AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Opponents

The draw for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024™ has revealed the group stage opponents for Rae Dower’s CommBank Junior Matildas. The tournament is set to take place from May 6 to 19 in Bali, Indonesia. Australia has been placed in Group B alongside formidable opponents Japan, China PR, and Thailand.

The CommBank Junior Matildas, seeded into Pot 3, are gearing up to face the reigning champions Japan, looking to improve on their fourth-place finish in the 2019 edition. China PR, who clinched third place in 2019 after defeating Australia 2-1 in the third-place match, adds further competition to the group.

This will mark Australia’s seventh appearance in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, with their best finish coming in 2019 and 2009 when they secured fourth place. The top three teams from the upcoming tournament will earn a ticket to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the Dominican Republic.

The Group A lineup includes Indonesia, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, and the Philippines, intensifying the competition in the tournament. China PR is set to face off against Australia in the opening match on May 7 at the Bali United Training Center, Bali. The matchup between Australia and Japan is scheduled for May 10 at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, followed by Australia taking on Thailand on May 13 at the Bali United Training Center.

In a separate event, the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ draw placed Australia alongside Qatar, Jordan, and Indonesia in Group A. The competition, running from April 15 to May 3, will serve as the AFC qualifier for the Paris 2024™ Olympics. The Subway Olyroos, Australia’s U-23 team, aim to finish in the top three to secure an automatic qualification.

All matches of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™, including those featuring the Subway Olyroos, will be broadcast live on Paramount+. The Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha is set to host the matches between Australia and Jordan, Indonesia, and Qatar. The closing group stage match will see Qatar facing off against Australia at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on April 21.