The CommBank Young Matildas have continued their positive start to the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026™, defeating India 5-0.
The result means that, if Japan defeat or draw with Chinese Taipei tonight, the team will have secured qualification to the quarter-finals.
Skye Halmarick scored a hat-trick to go top of the golden boot standings for the tournament, while Danella Butrus added the team's fourth goal in the second half. Daisy Brown scored in stoppage time to add a fifth.
Head Coach Alex Epakis made two changes to the side that defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 on matchday one. Melbourne City players Shelby McMahon and Danella Butrus came into the starting team, replacing Talia Younis and Tiana Fuller.
It was end-to-end action in the opening exchanges. Australia had more possession, but India threatened with their pace and ability to find space in behind. It was a hard-fought, physical start to a match that began in extremely warm conditions.
The CommBank Young Matildas thought that they scored when Peta Trimis struck a thunderous free kick from well outside the area past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed.
They continued to create chances. Shelby McMahon went on a dazzling solo run into the penalty area, only to be halted before being able to get the shot away. Avaani Prakash also found some space in behind but could not hit the target from a tight angle.
The opener came through the penalty spot. Danella Butrus beat several players to make her way into the box and was fouled in the defender's attempt to stop her. Skye Halmarick made no mistake with the conversion to give Australia a well-earned lead.
The second came only minutes later. Peta Trimis used her speed to find space in behind India on the right-hand side of the attack. Halmarick was there again, this time with a well-timed run and header onto the inside of the post. The goal gave Australia a two-goal advantage at half-time.
Just like they had against Chinese Taipei, the Young Matildas came out firing in the second half. Halmarick completed her hat-trick soon after play restarted. Avaani Prakash turned away from defenders and played a ball through to the Sydney FC striker in the box. She made no mistake from close range.
Halmarick has now scored five goals for the tournament, two clear at the top of the golden boot race so far.
Danella Butrus scored the team's fourth. She picked the pocket of an Indian player in a promising position. Instead of shooting on sight, she cleverly evaded several defenders and fired a shot from close range. It was her first goal of the tournament.
Alex Epakis opted for a triple change after the goal. Millie Bennett, Amelia Cassar and Poppy O'Keeffe entered the pitch, replacing Shelby McMahon, Rubi Sullivan and Zara Kruger.
A further two changes occurred just over ten minutes later, in the 70th minute. Goalscorers Halmarick and Butrus were taken off for a well-earned rest and were replaced by Tiana Fuller and Daisy Brown.
The match understandably slowed down in tempo as the game wore on, but Australia never gave up the attack and were rewarded in stoppage time. The substitute Brown picked up the ball in a dangerous area. She did well to drive into the penalty area and fired an expert finish into the back of the net.
The 5-0 victory puts the Young Matildas in the best possible position in the group ahead of a showdown against Japan on Wednesday.
Match Summary
India: 0
Australia: 5 (Halmarick 38', 39', 48', Butrus 54', Brown 90+4')
India: 1. Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), 4. Thobisana Chanu Toijam, 8. Pooja, 10. Sibani Devi, 11. Lhingdiekim, 12. Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, 14. Remi Thokchom, 16. Shubhangi Singh (3. Shruti Kumari 46'), 19. Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (6. Arina Devi Nameirakpam 68'), 21. Sulanjana Raul, 22. Cindy Remruatpuii Colney
Unused substitutes: 2. Sahena Th, 5. Nishima Kumari, , 7. Neha, 9. Babita Kumari, 13. Ribansi Jamu (GK), 15. Ruchi, 17. Shilji Shaji, 18. Monisha Singha, 20. Deepika Pal, 23. Nandini (GK)
Yellow cards: 14. Remi Thokchom (45+4')
Australia: 1. Ilona Melegh (GK), 3. Tegan Bertolissio, 6. Emma Dundas, 9. Skye Halmarick (5. Daisy Brown 71'), 13. Shelby McMahon (8. Amelia Cassar 57'), 14. Zara Kruger (11. Poppy O'Keeffe 58'), 15. Alexia Apostolakis, 16. Avaani Prakash, 20. Danella Butrus (10. Tiana Fuller 70'), 21. Peta Trimis, 22. Rubi Sullivan (2. Amelia Bennett 57')
Unused substitutes: 4. Alexis Collins, 7. India Breier, 12. Jasmine Black (GK), 17. Caley Tallon-Henniker, 18. Georgia Ritchie (GK), 19. Talia Younis, 23. Sienna Dale
Yellow cards: NA
