The CommBank Young Matildas have defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 in their first group stage game of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026™.
Skye Halmarick and Peta Trimis both scored braces while Tiana Fuller got on the scoresheet in a comprehensive performance from Australia.
Head Coach Alex Epakis named an exciting first XI to get the tournament started. Alexia Apostolakis took the captain's armband in her second Asian Cup, with three of her teammates - Peta Trimis, Teagan Bertolissio and Zara Kruger - also appearing for the second time.
Australia were the team in command of possession for most of the half. Talia Younis, in particular, was busy on the ball, and took several long shots after she created space for herself in and around the penalty area. Sydney FC striker Skye Halmarick came close to opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, shooting across the face of goal after winning the ball back in the box.
She wouldn't have to wait much longer to get herself on the scoresheet. Zara Kruger picked up the ball from deep and struck a firm shot against the crossbar. The rebound found Halmarick, who held off several defenders to get the shot away into the back of the net. It was a poacher's finish from the 18-year-old, who continued her good run of scoring form against Chinese Taipei with the opener.
