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.
